The public is cordially invited to participate in the annual “Tanabata Time” festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Hawaii Japanese Center in Hilo.
The Tanabata, or Star Festival, will feature the always popular yukata/kimono dressing for girls and boys with picture-taking services.
One of the customary ways of celebrating Tanabata is to write one’s wishes on pieces of paper called tanzaku and hang them up on bamboo.
Tanabata Time also will feature make-and-take craft activities, children’s games, entertainment and open mic karaoke.
No festival would be complete without food. In addition to the festival’s ono chili and rice special, a somen nagashi activity will be included where participants must capture the somen noodles with their chopsticks as they float by on water running through a bamboo trough.
Kamishibai, a traditional form of Japanese storytelling, will feature the legend of Tanabata —Orihime and Hikoboshi (the stars Vega and Altair, respectively) — two deities who were separated from each other by the Milky Way and could only be united once a year.
Admission is free with nominal fees for food items and specific activities. Donations are gratefully accepted.
‘Tanabata Time’
What: Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata is a Japanese festival celebrating the meeting of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair, respectively). Event will include traditional cultural activities, games, music and food.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hawaii Japanese Center, 751 Kanoelehua Ave., Hilo
Information: Call 934-9611 during office hours, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, or email contact@hawaiijapanesecenter.com.
