Syounan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri 2024

The scheduling of the Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival has varied slightly over the years. Until 2007, it was typically held around July 7th, spanning a few days before and after, often incorporating the weekend. In 2008, the festival took place from July 4th to July 7th. Starting from 2009, the festival was extended to four days, beginning on the first Thursday of July and aiming to end on a Sunday. This adjustment was made to avoid overlapping with July 7th. The choice of July for the festival’s timing was influenced by factors such as the lack of competition with other major events and the advantage of being able to transfer decorations to locations following the old calendar. However, holding the festival in July has also led to a higher likelihood of rainy weather, and in 2015, the entire festival period experienced rainy conditions.

From 2011 onwards, safety considerations, including the impact of the East Japan earthquake, prompted a reduction in the scale of the festival, including a decrease in the number of days. Particularly in 2011, due to power-saving measures, the illumination of Tanabata decorations at night was canceled.

The festival features approximately 3,000 Tanabata decorations throughout the city, with large bamboo decorations (tanzaku) numbering 83 along Shonan Star Mall (formerly Tokaido Hondori). Concerns have been raised about the reduction in the scale of the festival due to the financial burden on individual shops contributing to the decorations. However, citizen participation in creating bamboo decorations has become more prominent in recent years. The decorations are adorned with electric lights, providing a different atmosphere during the day and night. Unlike Tanabata decorations in Sendai, which are made of washi paper and not illuminated, Hiratsuka’s decorations are made of soft vinyl with electric lights, allowing for enjoyment during the nighttime festivities.

 

 

 

Event Summary

Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Period
July 5~7, 2024

Official Web：Click Here