Wayo Japanese Language School Tanabata Tree Event｜Write Your Wishes, Let Your Dreams Take Flight

July 7th is the date of Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival. On this romantic and hope-filled day, people write their wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping their wishes will reach the heavens and come true.

Tanabata originates from the Chinese Qixi Festival and was introduced to Japan centuries ago. Over time, it blended with Japanese customs and became the unique celebration it is today. The most well-known legend behind the festival is the story of Orihime (the Weaving Princess) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd) — two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to reunite only once a year on the night of July 7th. Because of this, Tanabata is seen as a day to send wishes and express heartfelt thoughts.

To help students experience this beautiful aspect of Japanese tradition and to create a meaningful summer memory, Wayo Japanese Language School has organized a Tanabata Tree Event.

We have set up a bamboo Tanabata tree in the school and prepared colorful tanzaku paper for every student. You are welcome to write your wishes — whether it’s for passing exams, success in entering your desired school, good health, or thoughts of your loved ones — in Japanese or your native language, and hang them on the tree. We hope that through this activity, everyone can enjoy the festive atmosphere and take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to them.

We encourage all students from every class to take part in this event. Teachers will also join in, creating a warm and united environment filled with hopes and dreams. During the event period, we will display a selection of tanzaku messages (anonymously) to share the warmth and inspiration with everyone.

Through this cultural experience, we hope our international students will not only learn the language but also deepen their understanding of Japanese traditions and build cross-cultural communication skills. May everyone’s wishes shine brightly like the stars in the Tanabata night sky — and one day, come true.

Let’s come together this Tanabata and write down our most heartfelt wishes — let your dreams take flight from Wayo!