The Tanabata Festival, also known as the Star Festival, is observed in Japan every July 7. This festival celebrates the annual meeting of the deities Hikoboshi and Orihime, who are represented by the stars Altair and Vega, separated by the Silver River, symbolizing the Milky Way. The festival has its origins in the Chinese Qixi Festival and was introduced to Japan by Empress Kōken in the 8th century. While the celebration typically occurs on July 7 in the Gregorian calendar, some regions may celebrate it in August, closer to its original lunisolar date. Customs during Tanabata include decoration competitions, parades, and carnival games, with many participants writing wishes on small pieces of paper and hanging them on bamboo, which are later burned or set afloat at the festival's conclusion. The scale of the celebrations can vary significantly across different regions in Japan.