# Tanabata festivals in Japan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tanabata-festivals-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-08-16T08:36:15.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Various Tanabata festivals are being held across different regions of Japan.

In Akita Prefecture, Noshiro City began its Yaku Tanabata celebration, featuring seven castle lanterns nearly 10 metres tall topped with shachihoko figures. In Fukushima Prefecture, Iwaki City hosted a three-day festival with elaborate decorations and food stalls. 

On Sado Island, the Ryotsu Tanabata Festival and Kawabiraki celebrations included a Great Folk Song Procession with traditional dances such as ‘Sado Okesa’ and ‘Ryotsu Jinju,’ followed by a large-scale fireworks display featuring underwater fireworks and starmines.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Sado Island hosts Ryotsu Tanabata Festival and fireworks

Sado Island's Ryotsu Tanabata Festival featured traditional folk dance performances by the Ryotsu Geigi Mai Preservation Society and a large-scale fireworks display.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sado-island-hosts-ryotsu-tanabata-festival-and-fireworks

### 2026-08-07: Tanabata festivals brighten Noshiro and Iwaki cities in Japan

Noshiro City in Akita hosts Yaku Tanabata with seven 10‑metre castle lanterns until Aug 7, while Iwaki City in Fukushima runs its Tanabata festival from Aug 6‑8 with stalls and decorations drawing crowds.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanabata-festivals-brighten-noshiro-and-iwaki-cities-in-japan

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Cite as: Tanabata festivals in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tanabata-festivals-in-japan