Kanazu Tanabata Event

This event, in which children take center stage, has been passed down in the Kanazu district of Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture. Bamboo decorations are set up along the roads. Carrying lantern-lit figures, the children walk through the district twice while chanting waka poems together.

About Kanazu Tanabata Event

The Kanazu Tanabata Event is a children-led Tanabata event passed down in the Oyama-Kanazu district in eastern Kakuda City.

Bamboo decorations are set up along the roads, and the children walk through the district carrying lantern-lit figures.

The event is held to pray for children’s healthy growth, a good harvest, and protection from insects. It is described as having a stronger character of sending away and pacifying misfortune than of celebrating the stars of Tanabata.

It is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Miyagi Prefecture and is included among the Intangible Folk Cultural Properties for which the national government should take measures such as preparing a record.

Source: 国指定文化財等データベース / 指定文化財〈県指定無形民俗文化財〉金津の七夕 - 宮城県公式ウェブサイト

Festival highlights

Highlights include the “Karaokuri” decorations displayed along roads in the Kanazu district and the nighttime procession of lantern-lit figures.

Strips of colored paper, tanzaku wish strips, streamers, and are displayed on moso bamboo with bamboo leaves; some reach about 5 meters in height.

During the procession, the children chant waka poems to the beat of the leader’s wooden clappers and walk through the district twice.

The names of the 2 processions, Karaokuri and Honokuri, also reflect the event’s distinctive structure.

A children’s Tanabata event, with lanterns and chanting winding through Kanazu at night

What to expect

Preparations are made by each of the 3 groups: Yokomachi, Aramachi, and Tatemachi.

The children use a hut called a yado as their base, preparing decorations adorned with bamboo leaves and lanterns. In front of the yado, they set out a Tanabata hanging scroll and offerings.

At night, carrying lanterns, the children process through the district to the beat of wooden clappers and group chanting. After the first procession, Karaokuri, they perform at the yado.

They then hold the second procession, Honokuri, bringing the event to a close.

How to take part

対象年齢：中学生までの子どもたちが主体

Location and access

Venue and address: The event takes place in the Oyama-Kanazu district in eastern Kakuda City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Event venue 宮城県角田市角田市尾山金津地区

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

Season: Every year in August
Frequency: Every year

Accommodation and hotels PR

Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Miyagi Prefecture / Kakuda City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

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Tips for your visit

The event includes a nighttime procession through the district with lanterns, so take the procession’s timing and route into account when choosing where to watch.

Each group’s procession travels throughout the district, while preparations and performances also take place along the route and around the yado.

If watching from alongside the road, please choose a spot that does not obstruct traffic or the procession.

Check announcements closer to the event for specific viewing locations and day-of guidance.

Origins and History of Kanazu Tanabata Event

The Kanazu Tanabata Event has been passed down in the Kanazu district of Oyama, Kakuda City.

It was formerly held on day 6 of lunar month 7, but is now held in August.

It is also said to have begun as a children’s event during the Edo period, under the guidance of a teacher at a terakoya (temple school).

In the past, children reportedly stayed overnight at the yado, then floated the decorations and offerings down the Abukuma River the following morning. The event is said to retain the character of sending away misfortune.

Official information

The Kanazu Tanabata Event is featured on the official Miyagi Prefecture website as a prefecturally designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

The national Database of National Cultural Properties also lists details of the event, the area where it has been passed down, and its preservation group.