On Sunday, July 14, 2013 the Consulate-General of Japan in Houston together with the Japan-America Society of Houston presented “Make a Wish! ‘Tanabata七夕’ Japanese Star Festival,” in collaboration with the Children’s Museum of Houston. The event opened in the Brown Auditorium with a performance of Japanese dance by Showing Japan members dressed in kimono. For the final dance the audience was invited to don Japanese festival “Happi” coats and join Showing Japan onstage for the fisherman’s dance, So-ran bushi.
In the alcove at the end of the main hall the Tanabata story was told through Kamishibai (Japanese “paper drama”). According to legend, two lovers Orihime (the Weaving Princess Star, Vega) and Hikoboshi (the Cow Herder Star, Altair) are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. This story is the basis for many of the traditions surrounding the Tanabata festival.
In the main hall booths were set up featuring a Tanabata story quiz and origami crafts. Guests could use stamps to spell out Tanabata on Japanese fans to take home. Visitors could write their own wishes on Tanzaku cards and hang them on the bamboo display. Over 450 people came out to enjoy the Tanabata Japanese Festival in its second year at the Children’s Museum. |
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