The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is considered one of the “Three Great Tanabata Festivals in Japan” alongside those in Sendai and Ichinomiya, and its splendor and history are truly magnificent. If you are visiting from overseas looking for a “hidden gem,” this event is perfect. Here we will introduce it to you with some trivia!
CONTENTS
🎋 Origin Rooted in Post-War Reconstruction
- The city of Hiratsuka was heavily damaged during WWII, with 70% of the urban area destroyed by air raids.
- In 1950, the “Hiratsuka Reconstruction Festival” was held to revitalize the city, and the following year (1951), it was reborn as the Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival.
- The first festival drew about 100,000 visitors. By 1962, that number had soared to 1.6 million, and by 1963 it reached 2 million.
🎏 Modeled After Sendai Tanabata – A Festival for Commercial Revival
- Inspired by Sendai’s Tanabata Festival, local business leaders and the Chamber of Commerce launched the event as a symbol of economic revival.
- Large bamboo decorations are made mainly by local shopping districts, showcasing strong community involvement.
- In recent years, it has also served as a platform for disaster recovery support, including partnerships with cities affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
🎇 Festival Highlights & Scale
- Around 500 large bamboo decorations line the central shopping streets, and over 3,000 decorations can be found citywide.
- Decorations can reach up to 10–15 meters tall, with elaborate streamers, ornaments, and lights that create a magical nighttime atmosphere.
- The ornate craftsmanship has earned Hiratsuka the reputation for hosting one of the most beautiful Tanabata displays in Japan.
👸 “Orihime” Selection & Colorful Events
- Every year, a group of local women are selected as “Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime”, who appear in parades and official events throughout the city.
- The festival kicks off with a 1,000-person parade, and ends with unique events like a “Tanabata Wedding.”
- Food stalls and kitchen cars line the streets, offering local gourmet specialties and festival treats.
🌟 Why It’s One of Japan’s Top 3 Tanabata Festivals
- It stands alongside Sendai (the largest) and Ichinomiya (famous textile town) as one of the most celebrated Tanabata festivals.
- Particularly in the Kanto region, Hiratsuka is known as the largest and most vibrant, with the most lavish decorations.
💡 Quick Facts Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| First held | 1951, to promote post-war commercial recovery |
| Peak attendance | 2 million people (1963) |
| Decoration count | 500 in the city center, 3,000+ citywide |
| Decoration size | Up to 10–15 meters tall |
| Organized by | Local community and festival committee |
