Tanabata is celebrated on July 7 throughout Japan. People write their wishes on small strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their dreams will come true. Japan has many seasonal traditions, and being able to experience them firsthand is one of the unique and rewarding parts of studying in Japan.
Tanabata Festival at NILS
As part of our annual Tanabata celebration, students enjoyed writing wishes on colorful paper strips, decorating bamboo branches, and making shaved ice together. Through these activities, they experienced one of Japan’s beloved summer traditions.
A large bamboo branch was prepared for the event, and students made colorful decorations using origami paper. Some students said, “This looks difficult!” at first, but they soon began helping one another and enjoying the activity together with their classmates and teachers. The classroom became even more lively than usual as everyone proudly showed off their decorations and took photos together.
For many students, writing a tanzaku was also a brand-new experience. They carefully looked up words in dictionaries and asked their teachers for help so they could write their wishes in Japanese. Wishes such as “I hope I pass the JLPT,” “I want to improve my Japanese,” and “I hope my family stays healthy” filled the bamboo with hopes and dreams.
Once again this year, a kind neighbor living across from our school generously gave us a beautiful bamboo branch for the event. Some students also chose to hang their wishes on a bamboo drawing created by one of our teachers.
Our neighbor warmly told us, “It’s wonderful to know this season has arrived again. Hearing the students having fun during the Tanabata celebration brings me so much joy.” Those kind words made all of us smile and reminded us how much support we receive from our local community.
At the end of the event, everyone made and enjoyed kakigori, Japan’s famous shaved ice dessert. Students chose their favorite syrup flavors and happily commented, “It’s so cold and delicious!” and “It’s my first time eating this!” It was a refreshing way to experience another part of a Japanese summer.
Next week, our students will also have the opportunity to try on yukata, a traditional Japanese summer garment often worn at festivals, fireworks displays, and Tanabata celebrations. For many students, it will be their first time wearing a yukata, and they are already looking forward to the experience.
At NILS, learning Japanese goes beyond the classroom. We believe that experiencing Japan’s culture, traditions, and seasonal events is an important part of studying abroad. We will continue to create opportunities for our students to enjoy life in Japan while making unforgettable memories.
Student Comments
“It was my first time joining the Tanabata Festival at NILS. I had a wonderful time with my teachers and classmates. It was so much fun, and I was really happy. I hope I can join the Tanabata Festival again with everyone next year. Thank you very much!”
“Today we had a Tanabata Festival class. First, I wrote down my wish on a tanzaku, and then I hung it on a bamboo tree. Our teachers taught us everything with great care. Later, they made kakigori for us. It was my first time trying it, and I was very happy. Japanese culture is really interesting. I loved today’s class. Thank you so much, teachers!”
“It was such a fun day! We were so happy to take part in this event. Thank you very much for organizing it. The kakigori was sweet and delicious. It was a wonderful memory.”
Let’s learn Japanese language and culture together at NILS!
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