How Do People Spend Tanabata? Survey on Wishes and Plans [1,000-Person Survey]

What is Tanabata? The origin of writing wishes on tanzaku

When you hear 'Tanabata,' many people may think of writing wishes on tanzaku paper and decorating bamboo branches.

There are various theories about the origin of Tanabata, but it is generally believed to be a fusion of the Japanese ritual 'Tanabata,' the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, and the Chinese tradition 'Qixi' (known in Japan as 'Kikouden').

'Tanabata' was an ancient Japanese ritual in which young women wove garments for deities, praying for bountiful harvests and freedom from illness. Meanwhile, the Chinese 'Kikouden' was a ceremony where people prayed for improvement in sewing and artistic skills, inspired by the weaver princess.

These traditions merged with the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are said to meet only once a year across the Milky Way, forming the modern Tanabata festival.

In some regions, rain on Tanabata is described as 'Orihime's tears,' or seen as celebratory rain for the lovers' reunion. Knowing these origins may make the annual Tanabata celebration feel more meaningful.

Navit conducted a 'Tanabata Survey' targeting 1,000 female monitor members across Japan, primarily housewives.

- Survey Period: May 2026 - Conducting Organization: Navit Co., Ltd. - Target: Men and women aged 20 to 80 - Valid Responses: 1,000 - Method: Web survey

About half have celebrated Tanabata at home

[Survey] Have you ever celebrated Tanabata at home? (Target: 1,000 people)

Regarding the question 'Have you ever celebrated Tanabata at home?', 50.1% answered 'Yes' and 35.3% 'No', indicating about half of respondents have experienced celebrating Tanabata at home.

Less than 10% have Tanabata-related plans this year

[Survey] Do you have any Tanabata-related plans this year? (Target: 1,000 people)

On the question 'Do you have any Tanabata-related plans this year?', 6.4% answered 'Yes' and 81.2% 'No', showing that most people do not have specific plans for Tanabata this year.

Most common Tanabata activities: 'Decorating tanzaku'

[Survey] What Tanabata-related activities have you done? (Multiple answers allowed) *Total responses: 2,298

When asked about past Tanabata activities (multiple answers allowed), 'Decorating tanzaku' was selected by 588 people, followed by 'Making bamboo decorations' (275 people) and 'Stargazing' (237 people).

Most common wishes on tanzaku: Health

[Survey] What kind of wishes do you write on tanzaku? (Multiple answers allowed) *Total responses: 1,950

On the question 'What kind of wishes do you write on tanzaku?', 'Health' was chosen by 517 people, followed by 'Dreams' (238 people) and 'Safety' (230 people). Wishes for health were the most common.

What comes to mind when you think of Tanabata?

This time, we conducted an open-ended question: 'Please describe your image of Tanabata.' Below are selected responses in their original wording.

'While kindergartens and schools celebrate Tanabata, at home we don’t do much like Christmas. If anything, we might just have a special meal to mark the occasion.'

'In Hokkaido, Tanabata is mostly celebrated on August 7, so it’s hard to join the festivities when Honshu is already in full swing.'

'My image is mainly the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, and children enjoying writing their wishes. Without kids, I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to eat somen noodles.'

In the open responses, many associated Tanabata with 'Orihime and Hikoboshi,' 'the Milky Way,' and 'wishes.'

At the same time, there were comments that Tanabata is more about enjoying seasonal feelings through meals or tanzaku, rather than being a major family event. Additionally, regional differences in Tanabata dates and its overlap with the rainy season contributed to unique seasonal impressions of the festival.

Enjoy the season by making a wish this Tanabata

Tanabata is a festival born from a blend of cultures—not only the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, but also Japan’s ancient 'Tanabata' ritual and the Chinese 'Kikouden.' While the forms have evolved over time, the sentiment of 'making a wish' continues to be passed down.

This survey showed that many people have experience writing wishes on tanzaku or enjoying bamboo decorations. Free responses also reflected views of Tanabata as a family-friendly event, alongside images of 'Orihime and Hikoboshi' and 'the Milky Way.'

In our busy daily lives, opportunities to specially celebrate Tanabata may be decreasing. Yet, simply writing a wish on a tanzaku or gazing at the night sky can help us feel connected to seasonal changes and long-standing traditions.

This year, why not enjoy the unique atmosphere of Tanabata by sharing wishes with family, friends, or loved ones?

About the '1,000-Person Survey'

The '1,000-Person Survey' is a web-based questionnaire service with a panel of respondents. Out of a nationwide panel of 63,400 primarily housewives, 1,000 participants respond to surveys. As a card-payment web service, it operates 24/7, ensuring fast turnaround without slowing down business. With preset templates and assist functions, even first-time users can easily set up surveys.

Features of the 1,000-Person Survey

1. Customize questions using assist functions

2. Nationwide panel of 63,400 housewives (20s and older) provides responses in as little as 2 days

3. Optional data reports and text mining available

4. Card payment enables surveys anytime

Pricing for the 1,000-Person Survey

We highly recommend Navit's '1,000-Person Survey'!

★ Learn more about the '1,000-Person Survey' ★

https://survey.navit-research.jp/

★ Sign up for the '1,000-Person Survey' ★

https://survey.navit-research.jp/welcome/sign_up

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