Tanabata

[twissie]

July 7th is Tanabata, or Star Festival, in Japan. It's celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month, but depending on what calendar you follow, the actual date is going to change around (for example, the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar will be August 9th this year

Comments

[kehlen]

I know very-very little about Japan, so I definitely prefer you LJ post to you twitter comments. (They make moar sense <3)

[twissie]

Thanks! Feel free to ask if you ever have any questions :D I've been around people who know lots about Japan for so long, I sometimes forget what's common knowledge about Japan and what's more obscure.

[kehlen]

I've been around people who know lots about Japan for so long, I sometimes forget what's common knowledge about Japan and what's more obscure.

This is so familiar! My journal's bilingual and I never know if I explain things not enough or too much each time it's something other language/country-specific.

(So far, it does not feel that you explain too much, not to me :) )

[interchanges]

Iwaki, where I lived in Japan, had a big Tanabata festival every year in August, so this post makes me feel very なつかしい!

[twissie]

Aah, that sounds great! I'm thinking about checking out some of the big Tanabata festivals in August too, I had such a good time at this Shitamachi one.

[siberian_angel]

This looks like a very interesting tradition, although the Kappa is indeed creepy. Love those pictures alongside your explanations - gives it a lot more realism.
Keep in mind that my knowledge of Norwegian is purely based on what I can deduce from Danish, English and German ... but you were wishing for something about your new house, right? ;)

[twissie]

Hahahha. The Kappa isn't part of Tanabata, really. It was hanging out because of the location, Kappabashi, which actually also has a shrine dedicated to Kappa! :) People leave cucumbers there to please the creepy creatures XD;;;

Yup! My wish was basically a catch all "please let everything be OK with the new house!" XD;;;;

[magic_treehouse]

These events all look fantastic. I'm hoping for lots of random stuff like this when I'm in Tokyo!

[twissie]

Ooh, I hope so too! :D Festivals are fun!!

[anko_kun]

Hahaha, that freaky Kappa.

I'd love to see stuff like this, it looks super fun!!

[twissie]

Yesss! Hopefully there'll still be a matsuri or two around when you're here :)