Tanabata Star Festival 2026 at JFT Library
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Tanabata Star Festival (七夕祭り) is a traditional Japanese festival where people make wishes and send them to the stars. Mark your calendar for a special day of cultural exploration, creativity, and heartfelt wishes at JFT Library!
RSVP is not needed! Join us with your friends and family on this joyous occasion and engage in a variety of activities that will transport you to the heart of Tanabata, including:
Tanzaku-writing Workshop: Write Your Wish in Japanese!
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00pm – 4:00 pm
According to the Tanabata tradition, people write their wishes and aspirations on colourful tanzaku cards and hang them on sasa (bamboo branch) in hopes that they will reach the stars and their dreams will come true. This year, we’re introducing a special drop-in workshop where you can learn to write your wish in Japanese using a brush pen. No Japanese language skills or calligraphy experience required.
Kamishibai Storytelling
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Listen to the mesmerizing art of kamishibai, a traditional Japanese form of street theatre and storytelling, where folk tales and children’s stories are brought to life through vibrant illustrations and dynamic narration! This year, we will be presenting a classic folklore story and a new story by a guest storyteller:
The Story of Tanabata 『たなばたものがたり』
The Sea Sluggers (Story by Samantha Dizon, Illustrations by Kayla Preston-Lord)
*Our Kamishibai storytelling will be in English, so you don’t need Japanese language ability.
Guest Storyteller
Origami Fishing Pond
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Goldfish catching is a quintessential festival activity in Japan. For our Tanabata Star Festival, we have prepared an origami fishing pond instead. Try catching some origami sea creatures with a fishing rod!
Yukata Dress Up
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Don’t miss the chance to try on a Yukata (a traditional Japanese garment worn during the summer season). Feel a connection to the vibrant traditions of Japan!
Photo Booth
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Capture the memories of this special day at our photo booth with entertaining props and a festive backdrop!
Learn more at https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tanabata-star-festival2026/
RSVP is not needed! Join us with your friends and family on this joyous occasion and engage in a variety of activities that will transport you to the heart of Tanabata, including:
Tanzaku-writing Workshop: Write Your Wish in Japanese!
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00pm – 4:00 pm
According to the Tanabata tradition, people write their wishes and aspirations on colourful tanzaku cards and hang them on sasa (bamboo branch) in hopes that they will reach the stars and their dreams will come true. This year, we’re introducing a special drop-in workshop where you can learn to write your wish in Japanese using a brush pen. No Japanese language skills or calligraphy experience required.
Kamishibai Storytelling
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Listen to the mesmerizing art of kamishibai, a traditional Japanese form of street theatre and storytelling, where folk tales and children’s stories are brought to life through vibrant illustrations and dynamic narration! This year, we will be presenting a classic folklore story and a new story by a guest storyteller:
The Story of Tanabata 『たなばたものがたり』
The Sea Sluggers (Story by Samantha Dizon, Illustrations by Kayla Preston-Lord)
*Our Kamishibai storytelling will be in English, so you don’t need Japanese language ability.
Guest Storyteller
Origami Fishing Pond
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Goldfish catching is a quintessential festival activity in Japan. For our Tanabata Star Festival, we have prepared an origami fishing pond instead. Try catching some origami sea creatures with a fishing rod!
Yukata Dress Up
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Don’t miss the chance to try on a Yukata (a traditional Japanese garment worn during the summer season). Feel a connection to the vibrant traditions of Japan!
Photo Booth
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Capture the memories of this special day at our photo booth with entertaining props and a festive backdrop!
Learn more at https://tr.jpf.go.jp/event/tanabata-star-festival2026/
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Where is it happening?
2 Bloor St E 3FL, Toronto, ON, Canada, Ontario M4W 1A8
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherThe Japan Foundation, Toronto
