People prepare paper lanterns prior to the Tanabata Festival on August 7, 1954 in Yamaguchi, Japan.

People prepare paper lanterns prior to the Tanabata Festival on August 7, 1954 in Yamaguchi, Japan.

Ph. Yasuo Tomishige

Tanabata (七夕), also known as the “star festival”, takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year, when, according to a Chinese legend, the two stars Altair and Vega, which are usually separated from each other by the milky way, are able to meet. Colorful Tanabata festivals are held across Japan in early July and August.