25th Anniversary Edition
Tanabata Festival
Join us at all Gyotaku locations from July 7 to August 31, 2026, as we celebrate our fourth annual Tanabata Festival—a summer tradition rooted in love, hope, and connection.
Tanabata, the Japanese Star Festival, honors the legend of Vega and Altair, two celestial lovers separated by the Milky Way who reunite just once a year on July 7. Guests are invited to write their wishes on colorful tanzaku paper and hang them on our bamboo tree, joining a cherished tradition shared across Japan — and while the legend points to just one night, we like to stretch our celebration all summer long, so there's more time to make a wish.
"Tanabata is more than a festival, it's a reminder of hope, connection, and joy. This year means even more, because 2026 marks 25 years of Gyotaku here in Hawai'i, and there's nothing I love more than celebrating that milestone alongside a tradition as meaningful as Tanabata," shares Tony Sato, Japanese-born co-owner of Gyotaku. "Bringing a tradition like Tanabata to Gyotaku means honoring where I come from while creating new memories for our community here in Hawai'i. Twenty-five years later, I'm still incredibly proud to see how much joy it brings to families every year."
Tanabata Matsuri features bright decorations, star-shaped ornaments, and wish-filled paper tags. We invite you to celebrate the season with us—enjoy our special summer dishes, make a wish, and connect with tradition under the stars.