Tanabata 19.7.2025

Star Lovers and Japanese Summer Festival in Dolní Počernice
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Where: Castle Park, Dolní Počernice
Admission: Free

Come celebrate Tanabata with us – the festival of star lovers, which is an integral part of the Japanese summer. The Czech-Japanese Society invites you to the 6th annual festival full of culture, food, music, creativity and a magical atmosphere.

What is Tanabata? The legend tells of the love of Princess Orihime and the shepherd Hikoboshi, who were separated by the Milky Way by the heavenly father. They are only allowed to meet once a year – on the seventh day of the seventh month. That is when people write their secret wishes on tanzaku papers and hang them on bamboo branches. You can try this magical ritual too!

Program on stage:
11:00 opening
11:20 Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko CZ
12:10 Budó Kenkyúkai
13:00 Kenya Satoh: playing the shamisen
13:30 Children’s studio of the Kyógen Theater
14:15 Large-format demonstration of Japanese calligraphy
15:00 Kyógen Theater
16:15 Yosakoi Hanamaru
17:30 contest for the title of Miss/Mr. Yukata 2025
The program is subject to change. Photos are taken by the organizer at the event.

Creative workshops for children and adults: making tanzaku greeting cards, tying mizuhiki (decorative paper knots), cute Teru Teru Bózu dolls against the rain, traditional kendama or go games or ink painting on fans that will cool you down in the summer heat.

The festival is organized by the Czech-Japanese Association in cooperation with the Oáza cultural center, with the financial support of the City of Prague, the Prague – Dolní Počernice District and partners from Japanese companies and under the auspices of the Embassy of Japan in the Czech Republic.

Come soak up the atmosphere of Japanese summer, discover new tastes, customs and stories – and maybe even take home a piece of your wish. We look forward to seeing you!