Misawa Air Base members and local nationals enjoy the Tanabata festival in Misawa City, Japan, July 26, 2014. The paper mache decorations that line the streets outside of Misawa Air Base are decorated by local vendors and school children. The round-shaped ornaments were originally based on a Dahlia flower. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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Residents from Misawa City, Japan, make their way to Misawa’s Tanabata event also known as “star festival” outside of Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 26, 2014. The event is based on the Chinese legend about two stars, Altair and Vega, separated from each other by the Milky Way but are able to meet on the day Tanabata is celebrated. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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A Japanese national admires the Tanabata festival decorations in Misawa City, Japan, July 28, 2014. Misawa Air Base families and locals had the opportunity to enjoy food, dance competitions and musical performances during the festival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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Misawa Air Base members dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and took part in a three-day celebration of the Tanabata festival in Misawa City, Japan, July 26, 2014. Misawa City has been celebrating this event since 1954, and provides a fun, cultural experience for Americans and Japanese to enjoy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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Misawa City residents walk past Tanabata decorations near Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 26, 2014. Thousands of Misawa AB and Misawa City families attended the annual event, originating from a 2,000 year-old Chinese legend of two lovers who could only meet once a year. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tong Duong)

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Misawa celebrates Tanabata Festival

Published July 29, 2014
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Misawa Air Base family members and local nationals celebrated Tanabata Festival in Misawa City, Japan, July 25 through 27, 2014. Also known as the "star festival," the three-day event celebrates the joining of the stars, Altair and Vega. Normally separated by the Milky Way, the two stars are said to meet once a year.