Experience the Magic of Wishes at Ebina Marui's Tanabata Event

Celebrate Your Wishes at Ebina Marui

At Ebina Marui, a popular department store located in Kanagawa, the joyful Tanabata event, "Deliver My Wishes to the Night Sky," returns after a successful launch last year. This special occasion allows locals to express their hopes and dreams on colorful tanzaku (small pieces of paper) and offer them to the stars. In the previous year, approximately 5,940 tanzaku were collected, showcasing the community's enthusiastic participation. This year, the event aims to once again be a bridge connecting individual aspirations with the future, welcoming everyone to join in.

What is the "Deliver My Wishes to the Night Sky" Event?

During this event, attendees are invited to write their wishes on tanzaku, which will later be gathered and dedicated to the Arisaka Shrine, the central guardian deity of Ebina. Wishes can encompass various personal goals, including health, academic success, career aspirations, dreams for the future, and hopes for the local community. It's an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their innermost desires and share them in a meaningful way.

The Significance of Colored Tanzaku

This year, participants will choose from five colors of tanzaku, each representing one of the five virtues from ancient Chinese philosophy known as "Godoku" (仁 - Jin, 義 - Gi, 礼 - Rei, 智 - Chi, 信 - Shin). Each color reflects specific values:

- Blue (仁 - Jin): Compassion and connection with others
- White (義 - Gi): Righteousness and accountability
- Red (礼 - Rei): Gratitude and moderation
- Purple (智 - Chi): Wisdom and learning
- Yellow (信 - Shin): Sincerity and faith

Last year's event brought forth a wave of heartfelt messages from the community, highlighting their cherished relationships. Examples included wishes like, "May my family stay healthy," "Wishing for the children to grow up smiling," and "May each day be filled with happiness." Such expressions showcase the vital bonds and mutual support within the community.

Collaboration with Local Enterprises

The tanzaku created for this event have a unique backstory. Thanks to the collaboration with TOP Factory Co., a local Kanagawa company, excess paper from their printing processes is repurposed into tanzaku. This environmentally-conscious initiative not only gives new life to surplus materials but also reduces environmental impact, aligning with sustainable practices. For more information, visit TOP Factory.

Additionally, the bamboo used in the event has been sourced in collaboration with the Non-Profit Organization "Ebina Satoyama Development and Mountain Work Association." Since 2006, this organization has worked on initiatives to preserve the rich natural landscape and cultural heritage of Ebina, ensuring that these areas remain a shared treasure for citizens.

Looking Ahead

This event represents more than just a cultural gathering; it is an opportunity for everyone to contemplate how they can contribute positively to their community and society. Through the act of expression and connection, we aim to enhance the well-being of Ebina's residents, creating a shared vision for a better life together.

We invite everyone to be a part of this magical celebration, to dream boldly, and to manifest those dreams in the night sky.