Misawa community comes together for Tanabata Festival

Colorful paper slips called tanzaku carry the wishes of Tanabata Festival participants in Misawa, Japan, July 24, 2026. Team Misawa and local community members alike took part in writing wishes and dreams onto tanzaku and tying them to the branches of bamboo, a well-known tradition of the festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

A band performs for Tanabata Festival crowds in Misawa, Japan, July 24, 2026. The Tanabata Festival, usually held on July 7, was held from July 24-26 in Misawa, which is closer to the original date according to the lunar calendar. Engaging in local customs and traditions allows Team Misawa to build and maintain partnerships and friendships within the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

Misawa community comes together for Tanabata Festival

Published July 27, 2026
By Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --

Team Misawa and members of the local community came together to celebrate Tanabata in Misawa, Japan, July 24 - 26, 2026. Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is held annually to commemorate the separated lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi on the one day of the year they are allowed to meet. Engaging in local customs and traditions allows Team Misawa to build and maintain partnerships and friendships within the local community.

Young girls in yukata dance together at a festival in Japan — Misawa community comes together for Tanabata Festival

Young girls dance at a Tanabata Festival in Misawa, Japan, July 24, 2026. Fun, food and festivities brought both on and off-base communities together to celebrate the strengthening of bonds. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kelsey Owen)

SLIDESHOW | 3 images | Misawa community comes together for Tanabata Festival