The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is an annual festival held in Sendai, Japan, celebrating the traditional Japanese star festival known as Tanabata. It takes place in early August and features vibrant decorations made from colorful paper and bamboo. The festival commemorates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year. During the festival, the streets of Sendai are adorned with elaborate ornaments, and various events, including parades and performances, attract both locals and tourists. The festival is a time for people to write their wishes on small pieces of paper called tanzaku, which are then hung on the bamboo decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere.