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Axios
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philly weekender: Blobfest and Ice Cream Festival
The Tanabata star festival continues today at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The festival honors the folkloric romance of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. Cosmic decorations, written wishes, a drumming performance, plus a beer garden. Runs through Sunday. 🎆 New Hope is throwing another one of its signature monthly summer bashes, which kicks off today at 5pm on Stockton Avenue. Food, drinks, art, music, plus fireworks and drone show over the Delaware River at 9:10pm. 🍿 Blobfest is back! Phoenixville, the site where scenes from the 1958 classic "The Blob" were filmed, carries on the decadeslong tradition with a three-day festival, including screenings, stage shows and celebrations at the historic Colonial Theatre. The itinerary includes a Blobfest Ball dance party tonight, a street fair on Saturday and several running events on Sunday. Tickets available for each event. 🤹 Cirque du Soleil's"OVO" is at the Wells Fargo Center this weekend. Acrobats, juggling and more from the French-Canadian troupe. Friday-Sunday. Tickets: $62+ 🫐 It's a berry bonanza at the Blueberry Festival at Linvilla Orchards. Blueberry-picking, a pie-eating contest and treats. Saturday, 8am-6pm. Free but tickets required to pick blueberries. 🌳 Borski Park, the city's newest green space along the Delaware River waterfront, is throwing a big party on Saturday from 10am-2pm to mark its official opening. Food trucks, water balloon tosses and sack races for the kiddos, plus riverfront yoga and line dancing. 🤡 Otherworld, Philly's immersive playground, marks its two-year anniversary with Jester Fest, which runs through July 21. 😜 Barnes on the Block has hands-on activities, live music and DJs and free museum admission, plus a beer garden for the adults.
Asahi Shimbun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
VOX POPULI: Humanity's best trait rests in the Tanabata wishes made for others
A girl hangs a slip of paper with her wish on a bamboo branch in Kobe's Tarumi Ward on July 6, the day before the Tanabata star festival. (Asahi Shimbun file photo) When I recently visited a local library, I came across decorations for Tanabata, the traditional Japanese star festival held on July 7. A slender stalk of 'sasa' bamboo stood tall, its branches adorned with colorful 'tanzaku'—long, narrow strips of paper used for writing wishes and hanging them on bamboo as part of the festival tradition. One wish read, in a child's innocent handwriting, 'I want to be able to do a back hip circle.' Other wishes ranged from hopes for love to success in school entrance exams. The countless tanzaku swayed softly in the breeze, like ripened fruit gently weighing down the branches. As Tanabata draws near, I'm reminded of childhood evenings spent gazing up at the night sky in search of the two stars. In Chinese legend, the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi—separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on this day—are known as Zhinu, the weaving girl, and Qianniu, the cowherd. Astronomically, they are Vega, a brilliant blue-white star in the constellation Lyra, and Altair, the brightest star in Aquila, the Eagle. Though these stars lie some 14 light-years apart, invoking such scientific detail seems almost out of place amid the romance of the story. My eyes were drawn to one yellow tanzaku that read: 'Oba-chan ga 100 sai made ikiraremasu yoi' (I hope Grandma can live until she's 100). The handwriting was bold, thick and full of youthful energy. From a grammatical standpoint, the final 'yoi' was likely meant to be 'yoni,' but such small errors only added to the charm. Free of pretense, the tender emotion came through with striking sincerity. Perhaps it's because we live in a world where mockery and hatred roam so freely that the simplicity of this wish moved me so deeply. Without realizing it, my eyes welled with tears. Yes, it's important to care for ourselves, but the selfless act of thinking of someone else, of wishing happiness and health for a loved one, is profoundly moving. That short message on a piece of yellow paper made me bow my head in quiet reverence. A poem published in The Asahi Shimbun's 'Senryu' section on July 5 also struck a deep chord with me: On a tanzaku/ 'Peace on Earth' written/ in the children's ward. Even while battling illness, there are children who still pray for peace in the world. How heavy with meaning such a simple line can be. It evokes the vision of 'the true happiness of all people' that the Japanese writer and poet Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933) expressed in his celebrated fantasy novel 'Night on the Galactic Railroad.' Another Japanese novelist, Osamu Dazai (1909-1948), once reflected on a single kanji character in a letter to a friend. The character in question is one pronounced 'yu" in its 'on'yomi" (Chinese-derived reading). It can mean "sugureru" (to excel) or "yasashii" (gentle or kind). But if you look closely, the character is composed of the radical for 'person' and the character for 'grief' or 'worry'—suggesting 'to worry about others.' 'To be sensitive to another person's loneliness, sorrow or pain—that is kindness,' Dazai wrote. 'And perhaps, I wonder, that's what makes us most human.' —The Asahi Shimbun, July 6 * * * Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tokyo Weekender
30-06-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan in July: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit
Japan in July brings some of the country's most quintessential and cinematic summer scenes, from spectacular firework displays to tranquil emerald gardens. This is a perfect time to enjoy treats like kakigori (shaved ice) and cold udon. Because much of the country sees extreme heat and humidity, sightseeing may be challenging for some. But plenty of regions with milder summers offer picturesque outdoor adventures for nature lovers, and there's never a shortage of indoor fun in cities like Tokyo. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of Japan in July. List of Contents: July Travel Overview Popular Activities and Things To Do in July Top Japan Destinations To Visit in July Travel Tips and Recommendations Related Posts July Travel Overview Across much of Japan, July is characterized by hot and humid weather, with average temperatures ranging from 23-29°C (73-84°F). Central Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto, can see highs between 27-35°C (81-95°F). The rainy season typically winds down or ends in the first half of July. While there can still be moderate rainfall, it generally lessens towards the end of the month. July is the start of one of Japan's peak domestic travel seasons, as Japanese school vacations begin mid-month. This means popular attractions, coastal areas and major cities will be fairly busy. Traditional festivals and fireworks are the highlights of July, including Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri. Cooler regions like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps offer refreshing escapes and beautiful hiking trails. mitami matsuri, tokyo Popular Activities and Things To Do in July Immerse Yourself in Summer Festivals (Matsuri) July to August is the prime festival season. Experiencing a traditional matsuri brings a chance to immerse yourself in the spirit of a Japanese summer through food, dance and music. For those who feel easily overwhelmed by crowds, we recommend checking out smaller, local festivals rather than major ones. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto) and Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka) are among Japan's 'Big Three Festivals,' along with Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri; the former two take place in July, while Kanda Matsuri is held in mid-May. Tanabata , the Star Festival, is also celebrated across Japan in early July, commemorating the annual meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi with colorful streamers and bamboo decorations. July also marks the beginning of hanabi taikai (fireworks displays). Many cities and towns host incredible shows over rivers and bays. The Ultimate Guide to Summer Festivals in Tokyo aharen beach, tokashiki island, okinawa Hit the Beach There are plenty of beaches easily accessible from Tokyo. Japan's official swimming season typically begins mid-July and continues through August. For a tropical escape, Okinawa's pristine beaches offer crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. For a closer destination, check out Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture, which is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Shirahama Beach. Enjoy Seasonal Foods A popular summer delicacy in Japan is nagashi somen ('flowing noodles'). Cold noodles trickle down bamboo flumes in cold water, and chopstick-wielding diners catch as much as they can as the noodles pass by. You can find this practice in restaurants around Japan, including Hana-no-omotenashi Choseikan , a ryokan in Saitama Prefecture that offers an all-you-can-eat nagashi somen plan to non-guests as well. You should also try kakigori , a shaved ice dessert that can get surprisingly elaborate . A summer mainstay, it's served at a variety of locations, ranging from street vendors to hotel lounges. Some are akin to snow cones, but others are garnished with luxurious fruits and syrups. Mizu shingen mochi , a 'raindrop cake' that resembles a clear raindrop, is a beautiful and delicious variation. It's typically served with kinako (soybean powder) and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup), plated on a leaf. The Best Cold Ramen Spots in Tokyo: Where To Eat Hiyashi Chuka Noodles tateyama, toyama prefecture Go Hiking July is an excellent time for hiking in Japan, as the warmer temperatures open up many high-altitude trails that are inaccessible during other seasons. Most famously, July marks the official start of the climbing season for Mount Fuji, drawing thousands of eager hikers aiming to witness the iconic sunrise from its summit. Beyond Fuji, the Japanese Alps, particularly regions like Kamikochi in Nagano, become a paradise for trekkers with their stunning landscapes and wildflowers. In northern Japan, Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan National Park and Rebun Island also offer fantastic hiking opportunities amid pristine wilderness and vibrant summer flora, providing a welcome respite from the heat of the main islands. 7 Mountain Day Trips from Tokyo for Nature Lovers farm tomita Top Japan Destinations To Visit in July Furano, Hokkaido Prefecture While much of mainland Japan swelters, Furano offers a relatively mild and comfortable climate. The highlight is undoubtedly Farm Tomita , where vast stretches of purple lavender create a breathtaking spectacle, though various other flower farms nearby — like Shikisai-no-oka , which is a half-hour drive from the Furano city center, also boast vibrant displays of poppies, sunflowers and more. Beyond the floral beauty, July in Furano allows for diverse outdoor activities such as rafting on the Sorachi River , exploring the surrounding countryside by bike or enjoying local produce like sweet melons. Kabira Bay in Ishigaki Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture July in the Okinawan island of Ishigaki is ideal for those who want a quintessential tropical summer. Marine adventures, like snorkeling in the famously clear blue waters of Kabira Bay, and chances of encountering manta rays and sea turtles, make Okinawa an enchanting vacation destination. The island sees increased crowds as Japanese school holidays begin, particularly from mid-July, so booking accommodations and tours well in advance is highly recommended. hakata gion yamakasa festival, fukuoka Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Fukuoka has been rising in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years, and there's no better time to visit than in July. The historic Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival , a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, is held annually from July 1 to 15. It culminates in a thrilling early morning race, where teams of loincloth-clad men dramatically carry decorated festival floats ( kakiyama ) through the city streets. Beyond the festival, visitors can also enjoy Fukuoka's renowned food scene, particularly its tonkotsu ramen and lively yatai (street food stalls), and explore cultural sites like Kushida Shrine and Ohori Park. You can also find stunning beaches not too far from the city, especially on the Itoshima Peninsula. Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture Kamikochi, a picturesque plateau along the Azusa River in the Northern Japan Alps, offers a pristine escape from the summer heat, making it a highly sought-after summer destination among locals. Situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters, Kamikochi sees temperatures that are consistently cooler than nearby cities like Matsumoto. From leisurely strolls along the Azusa River connecting iconic spots like Taisho Pond, Kappa Bridge and Myojin Pond, to more challenging treks into the surrounding Northern Japan Alps, Kamikochi caters to all levels of hikers and nature enthusiasts. A Hiker's Guide to Japan's Northern Alps Travel Tips and Recommendations Stay Hydrated In most urban and suburban regions, carrying a water bottle isn't necessary as vending machines are ubiquitous. You can also try Japanese sports drinks and other salt-replenishing drinks like Salty Lychee, known for its refreshing and lightly sweet taste. Use Cooling Products Japanese convenience stores and drugstores are a treasure trove of cooling items. Look for cooling body wipes, sprays, portable fans and neck coolers. 5 Japanese Products To Save You From The Summer Heat Plan Your Day Strategically Schedule outdoor sightseeing and walking for cooler parts of the day like mornings and evenings, and retreat into air-conditioned spaces like museums and shopping arcades during peak hours. Pack For Flexibility Since sudden downpours may happen, portable umbrellas are useful; choose one that can double as a parasol on sunny days. Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, sandals and mosquito repellent are also helpful. Related Posts Japan in April: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit Japan in May: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit Japan in June: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
3 ways to celebrate Tanabata in Osaka this year
Summertime is festival time in Osaka. Kicking off the celebratory season is Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival with origins in Chinese folklore. According to legend, deity couple Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way, and they are only able to meet once a year: on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, celebrates the day of their reunion. As Japan has largely dropped the lunar dating system in favour of the Gregorian calendar, Tanabata is commonly celebrated on July 7, which falls on a Monday this year. The Star Festival is associated with grand, colourful streamers decorating streets, shopping malls and temples. Another popular custom is to write your wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees. Tanabata is one of the most joyous and colourful traditional celebrations in Osaka – and it offers great photo opportunities. So if you're in the city between July 5 and 7, put any of these three Star Festival events on your to-do list. Tanabata Lantern Festival at Hirakata Park July 5–6 Hirakata Park's Tanabata festival features a special indoor lantern area, where lanterns filled with wishes are launched. Summer festival stalls offer carnival games like superball scooping, yo-yo fishing and shooting. There are also workshops that allow you to paint masks and make flower crowns or have your face painted. Consider picking up a ¥200 fortune-telling slip that reveals your future when placed onto water. What's more, guests that come dressed in yukata get special photo privileges and will receive a free fan during the event. A limited number of tickets are available at the door for a flat rate of ¥2,600, although an additional admission ticket for Hirakata Park must be purchased (¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,200 for elementary school children and younger). We recommend getting your tickets in advance online through the ticketing website, where the price for a combined event and park admission ticket is ¥4,500 for adults and ¥3,700 for children of elementary school age and younger. July 5–7 Shin Umeda City is back with its annual showcase of ornate and colourful Tanabata decorations from Sendai, the Tohoku city where the Star Festival is a particularly joyous occasion. Sendai's Tanabata decorations often feature kusudama, or spheres made of paper flowers, atop washi paper streamers up to five metres long. The decorations can be found around Shin Umeda City's entrance (next to the Umeda Sky Building), as well as along the 'Showa retro' shopping street at Takimi Koji. Customers dining at restaurants in the facility between June 1 and July 7 receive paper strips to write wishes on, which will be hung on bamboo trees displayed within the shopping street. The highlight Tanabata festival takes place during July 5-7 from 4pm to 9pm daily, with the programme including a children's festival, a wish-writing area for setting wishes afloat on a pond, and live music performances. Osaka Milky Way Legend 2025 July 7 First held in 2010, the annual Osaka Milky Way Legend takes place from 7pm on the night of Tanabata (July 7) at the Hachikenyahama Pier by Keihan City Mall. The event features colourful floating balls with LED lights called Inori Stars being released onto the Okawa river, creating stunning visuals as it gets dark – and symbolising the Milky Way galaxy in the great expanse of the cosmos. The release of the Stars into the river takes place in two sessions; at 7.10pm, and again at 8pm. Each admission ticket includes one Star, as well as a slip of paper to write your wish on. Tickets can be purchased in advance for an early-bird discount, ¥2,000 for adults. For advance ticket purchases, see the website for full details (in Japanese only). Tickets can also be bought at the door for ¥2,500, and children under 4 get in for free. Looking for more things to do in Osaka? Check out our full list of events here.
Tokyo Weekender
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Heat Waves Force Japan's Beloved Summer Festivals To Change Seasons
A Japanese summer is synonymous with the image of yukata-clad couples strolling riverside paths and children clutching kakigori shaved ice, beneath a sky of glittering fireworks. But across the country, the rhythmic chants of festival-goers are in danger of fading away, as extreme heat may force several matsuri — beloved traditional festivals — to abandon their seasonal posts. With temperatures in recent years reaching levels that pose serious risks to performers, spectators and staff, several firework displays and Obon events have been rescheduled for spring or autumn. The century-old Adachi Fireworks festival in Tokyo, for instance, initially scheduled for July, has changed its date to May 31 this year, causing various logistical issues. List of Contents: The Great Festival Migration A Matter of Survival What's Really at Stake Related Posts The Great Festival Migration Festival date alterations are taking place around the country with startling speed. The shift from midsummer to spring for the Adachi Fireworks Festival shocked longtime attendees. But for organizers, it seemed like a necessary change after last year's near-catastrophe. Temperatures hit 30 degrees Celsius by 7 a.m. and soared past 35°C by 10 a.m. Security personnel were hospitalized with heat stroke. For staff working throughout the day with no shade, the event was more like an endurance test than a celebration. Then, after all that, sudden thunderstorms, increasingly common in Japan's destabilized climate, forced a last-minute cancellation after months of preparation. In Kitakyushu, the Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival has shifted from August to September. The Saga Castle Town Sakae no Kuni Festival, meanwhile, will be held on May 31 and June 1 rather than its usual August date. soma nomaoi festival A Matter of Survival The dates have been changed not just because of comfort and convenience, but due to safety issues. Fukushima Prefecture's Soma Nomaoi Festival, in which samurai warriors thunder across fields on horseback, made the decision to move from July to May after horses began dying of heat-related illnesses in 2023. The Kujirabune (whale boat) festival in Mie Prefecture's Yokkaichi city is another ancient tradition that will shift its dates. Due to the extreme summer heat in recent years, it has been decided to reposition the festival as part of a September shrine celebration. 'It will be too late once an emergency occurs,' said organizers. The solution required delicate negotiations with cultural preservation authorities and community leaders. What's Really at Stake Some traditional festivals, however, remain immovable. Changing dates would destroy their meaning entirely. Tanabata festivals, for example, must occur on July 7 — the date when star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet once a year. But Tanabata celebrations are losing attendees due to the heat, with a notable decline in nursery school and elderly visitors during peak temperatures. The great festival migration, though, represents much more than just logistical adjustments. It is redefining the cultural meaning of summer for the Japanese public, and eroding seasonal rhythms that have shaped its society for centuries. While Japan's beloved matsuri will likely persist through spirited local support and creative adaptations, its recent crisis is a palpable side effect of a new climatic reality. Related Posts Japan Life Kit: What Are Matsuri and How To Enjoy Them Brace Yourself: Tokyo Hits 30 Degrees for the First Time in 2025 5 Japanese Products To Save You From The Summer Heat
