On the 7th day of the 7th month, Japan’s night sky fills with quiet wonder as the Tanabata Festival unfolds—a celestial celebration of love, longing, and reunion. It’s a night made for reflection, wish-making, and connection. And at Hachidori, we believe there’s no better way to honor this ancient tradition than by sharing a glass of Sake crafted to slow time and deepen meaning.

Let the story of Tanabata unfold with each sip of Hachidori—delicate, balanced, and made for evenings under the stars.

The Story Written in the Sky

The legend of Tanabata has its roots in the Chinese Qixi Festival but blossomed uniquely in Japan. It tells of Orihime, the Weaving Princess, who created exquisite fabrics beside the Milky Way—known in Japanese as the Amanogawa. Her skill and devotion earned the admiration of her father, the Sky King (Tentei), yet her heart ached for companionship.

Moved by her longing, Tentei introduced her to Hikoboshi, the Cowherd Star. The two fell in love instantly, but in their happiness, their responsibilities were forgotten—Orihime stopped weaving, and Hikoboshi’s cows wandered the heavens. In response, Tentei separated them across the celestial river, allowing them to meet only once a year: on the night of Tanabata.

Legend says that if the skies are clear, magpies form a bridge over the Milky Way so the lovers may reunite. But if it rains, they must wait yet another year—a story of patience, hope, and eternal devotion.

A Celestial Evening, A Hachidori Pour

There’s something sacred about the way Tanabata invites us to pause. With the stars above and the warmth of summer in the air, it becomes more than just a story—it becomes a moment to be felt. Pour yourself a glass of Hachidori Sake and allow the flavors to echo the tenderness of the tale.

Whether you’re gazing at the stars from a rooftop, writing wishes with loved ones, or enjoying a quiet night in, our Sake is crafted for just such moments—intimate, reflective, and full of grace.

Make a Wish, Share a Sip

At the heart of Tanabata is the tradition of writing wishes—hopes for the future—on strips of colorful paper called tanzaku, then hanging them on bamboo branches. It’s a ritual as delicate as the threads Orihime once wove, and one that endures in its simplicity and sincerity.

As you make your own wish this year, let Hachidori Sake be part of the experience. Like the gentle flutter of a tanzaku in the summer breeze, our sake was born to accompany meaningful pauses and heartfelt dreams.

Sake Pairings for a Starry Night

For a Tanabata meal, keep things light and elegant. We recommend pairing Hachidori Sake with sushi, delicate tempura, cold soba, or summer fruits. The clean, subtle layers of our sake enhance each bite without overpowering the moment—much like the story of Tanabata itself.

Each pairing becomes a meditation. Each sip, a soft echo of something timeless.

Kanpai to Love That Waits

Tanabata is not only a celebration of folklore—it is a celebration of feeling. Of love that waits. Of hope that endures. Of connection that cannot be dimmed by distance or time.

As the 7th night of the 7th month arrives, we invite you to honor this story of stars and soulmates with a glass of Hachidori Sake. May your wishes rise like Orihime’s prayers, and may the sky answer with clarity.

Kanpai to Tanabata. Kanpai to the stars. Kanpai to love that shines across time.