Tanabata Star Festival 2026 at JFT Library

Tanabata Star Festival (七夕祭り) is a traditional Japanese festival where people make wishes and send them to the stars. Mark your calendar for a special day of cultural exploration, creativity, and heartfelt wishes at JFT Library!

RSVP is not needed! Join us with your friends and family on this joyous occasion and engage in a variety of activities that will transport you to the heart of Tanabata, including: 

Tanzaku-writing Workshop: Write Your Wish in Japanese!
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00pm – 4:00 pm

According to the Tanabata tradition, people write their wishes and aspirations on colourful tanzaku cards and hang them on sasa (bamboo branch) in hopes that they will reach the stars and their dreams will come true. This year, we’re introducing a special drop-in workshop where you can learn to write your wish in Japanese using a brush pen. No Japanese language skills or calligraphy experience required.

Kamishibai Storytelling
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Listen to the mesmerizing art of kamishibai, a traditional Japanese form of street theatre and storytelling, where folk tales and children’s stories are brought to life through vibrant illustrations and dynamic narration! This year, we will be presenting a classic folklore story and a new story by a guest storyteller:

• • • • • • • • • • • The Story of Tanabata  『たなばたものがたり』
                    • The Sea Sluggers (Story by Samantha Dizon, Illustrations by Kayla Preston-Lord)
                      
                      *Our Kamishibai storytelling will be in English, so you don’t need Japanese language ability.

Guest Storyteller

Sam Dizon began kamishibai storytelling in 2013. As a children’s programmer at Toronto Public Library, she borrowed kamishibai kits and did outreach storytelling in branches and for several schools. When she had gone through the library’s collection, the students asked her for more. Sam began writing kamishibai stories, drawing on her life experiences, love of Japanese culture and knowledge gained from the East Asian Studies program at University of Toronto, where she was studying part-time. She has completed 9 stories with illustrations by three artists. She has read her stories to hundreds of children and families in schools, libraries, storytelling festivals, Wee Asian Film Festival and various events.

Origami Fishing Pond
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Goldfish catching is a quintessential festival activity in Japan. For our Tanabata Star Festival, we have prepared an origami fishing pond instead. Try catching some origami sea creatures with a fishing rod!

Yukata Dress Up
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Don’t miss the chance to try on a Yukata (a traditional Japanese garment worn during the summer season). Feel a connection to the vibrant traditions of Japan!

Photo Booth
11:30 am – 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Capture the memories of this special day at our photo booth with entertaining props and a festive backdrop!

Check out Library Materials and Cultural Items on Display about Tanabata and Japanese Festivals!
11:30 am – 4:30 pm

Visitors are welcome to browse our collection of over 20,000 Japan-related materials covering a wide range of topics, including Tanabata and Japanese festivals.
If you’re new to our library, we can help you sign up for a library card!

*Special Thanks to Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto for kindly loaning some cultural items.

Click here to download a PDF file of Tanabata Star Festival activities schedule