July 2026: Tanabata “The Star Festival” Calendar & Coloring
Celebrate July with our special coloring calendar themed after Tanabata (七夕), also known as the Star Festival.
This beautiful illustration depicts the legend of the celestial lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are allowed to meet only once a year on the 7th night of the 7th month across the Milky Way.
Learn Japanese with this Coloring Page
While you color this intricate scene, try learning these Japanese words associated with the festival:
- Tanabata (七夕 / たなばた) – The Star Festival.
- Amanogawa (天の川 / あまのがわ) – The Milky Way (literally “Heaven’s River”).
- Tanzaku (短冊 / たんざく) – Small strips of colored paper on which people write wishes and hang them on bamboo.
- Kasasagi (カササギ) – Magpies, which form a bridge across the river for the lovers to cross.
Cultural Insight: The Tanabata Legend
In the story, Orihime (the Weaver Star) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd Star) were separated by the King of Heaven because they neglected their duties after falling in love.
Moved by his daughter’s tears, the King allowed them to meet on July 7th, provided they worked hard throughout the year.
If it rains on this day, the river rises, and they must wait another year—unless a flock of magpies forms a bridge for them, as shown in this coloring design!
Use this calendar to track your Japanese study progress for July 2026 while enjoying a piece of traditional Japanese folklore.
