Tanabata is a traditional event of Japan and still remembered, though many traditional things have been disappearing.
It’s not easy to get a bamboo tree for Tanabata decoration these days, especially in a big city , even all town. There are plastic and smaller bamboo branches sold in a store. A real bamboo tree is appreciated. After Tanabata they used to brought to a river but now it is trashed but still nice to decorate bamboo tree and write a wish.
Some people make a cow with an egg plant and a horse with a cucumber.That is related to Obon which is in the middle of August. Spirit of ancestor will come back from heaven in Obon. A horse takes them back to a family from heaven fast and a cow take them back to heaven slowly so that the spirit of ancestor stay longer with a family. Tanabata is a day to get ready for welcome our ancestor. I looked for Tanabata and learned it.
Touhoku where Tsuami hit is famous for its big celebration and great art of decoration for Tanabata. They celebrate on lunar calender. Many tourist visit there. After two tear and 4 months are are resilient and striving forward. Thank you for your prayers and aids from all over the world . Japanese, not only people in Tohoku but also rest of Japan, felt encouraged, strengthen and not alone. Thank you very much.
I visited Ishinomaki this spring for a very short time. All I could do is to see and pray for people living there and victims. I am with them. I believe their strength and pride.