Okinawan tomb (Photo by Shoji Kudaka/Stripes Okinawa)
If you have lived in Japan, you are likely familiar with Tanabata. It is a tradition where folks make a wish on July 7 by writing down what they want on a piece of paper called “Tanzaku” and hanging it from bamboo leaves. It is celebrated here in Okinawa as well, but do you know that Okinawans have another kind of Tanabata?
“Kyureki (old calendar) Tananbata” is an Okinawan version of Tanabata, which takes place on July 7 of the lunar calendar, as its name suggests.
While Tanabata of the new calendar is dedicated to what folks wish in their future, this “old” tradition is for their ancestors. In 2026, the day of Kyureki (old calendar) Tananbata falls on Wednesday, August 19.
It is supposed to be a day when Okinawans visit their family tombs, do the cleaning, and pray. The idea is to notify ancestors that the obon period is coming up soon, from July 13 to 15 of the lunar calendar. The Obon period from Aug. 25 to 27 this year in Okinawa is the time to welcome back the spirits of the deceased.
If you compare it with Shiimii or Seimeisai in April, this tomb visit season may not have a big profile. While you often see families get together almost like a picnic at their tombs in the spring tradition, Kyureki Tananbata is meant to be a simple event, which doesn’t require many participants. Nowadays, many Okinawans even skip this tradition.
That said, July 7 of the lunar calendar remains important to some Okinawans.
There are many local tombs remaining on U.S. installations in Okinawa.
If you see locals visiting their tombs remaining on base on this day, please be respectful and let them prepare to welcome their ancestors in the Obon period.
AloJapan.com