Tanabata wishes

Tokyo Tower is seen behind Zojoji Temple in Tokyo, beautifully decorated for the Tanabata festival on Friday. Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a traditional celebration based on the legend of the love of Orihime, a weaving princess, and Hikoboshi, a cowherd, who were banished to opposite sides of the Milky Way, but can meet only one day in the year, on July 7. Short strips of slightly stiff paper, called tanzaku, are tied to bamboo branches with string or ribbons through a hole on one end, with people's wishes written on them. Tanabata is celebrated across Japan, in some areas later in July and in early August. Zojoji Temple will host a Tanabata candle night event on Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

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