Japan's Star Festival (Tanabata): Legend & Customs

For Immediate Release

Japan Society Presents Annual Star Festival With a Live Performance and Craft-Making Activities for Children

Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 2pm

New York, NY – Japan Society’s Education Program invites families and children to celebrate Japan's Star Festival (Tanabata): Legend & Customs, Sunday, July 6, at 2 p.m. At this annual family program, a child-friendly theatrical performance introduces Japan's famous Tanabata characters (Hikoboshi and Otohime) in an interactive setting with traditional songs and dances by performers from Theatre Arts Japan-KIDS-, directed by Eriko Ogawa. Following the performance, participants enjoy making paper ornaments and their own traditional tanzaku, thin paper strips for writing wishes ceremonially hung on bamboo branches. This event is recommended for children ages 3-10 and their accompanying adults.

About Tanabata
Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is held on the evening of July 7. The festival traces its origins to a legend that the Cowherd Star (Altair) and Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet just once a year--on the seventh day of the seventh month. People write wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and hang them, along with other paper ornaments, on bamboo branches praying their wishes will come true. The Tanabata festival is thought to have started in China. It was transmitted to Japan during the feudal period and combined with traditional local customs to become an official event at the Imperial court. Commoners soon began observing this festival, with different localities developing distinctive ways of celebrating.

About Theatre Arts Japan - KIDS-
Theatre Arts Japan -KIDS- is a New York-based theater organization founded by native Japanese performers in the U.S. The company introduces the art and literature of Japan to U.S. born and raised children and their families. The productions are based on Japan's classic stories and folk tales, including Japanese song and dance for children. Recent credits include “Sadako & One Thousand Cranes” (produced by Japan Society and SONY HD Theatre, NYC), "Tanabata Story" (produced by Japan Society and “Story in a Story“(TBG Theatre, NYC). The company is a part of Theatre Arts Japan, a New York based non-profit theater organization (www.theatreartsjapan.org)

About Eriko Ogawa
Eriko Ogawa is Director/Artistic Director for Theatre Arts Japan -KIDS-. Born and Raised in Tokyo, Eriko has an MFA Directing at the Actors Studio Drama School. She is a resident director and a founding member of woken'glacier theatre company and Theatre Arts Japan, and a member of Lincoln Center Directors Lab 2004 and 2005. She is a recipient of Japanese Government Overseas Study fellowship Program for Artists. Eriko is an associate member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Recent directing credits include Rhythm Method (Tokyo in Japan), Tokyo Nostalgia (NY Fringe Festival), Japanese Plays from the early 20th century (Common Basis Theater), seal sings its song (Gene Frankel Theatre), Audience, Down the Road (ASDS), 12 Billion (NY Fringe Festival), When You Wake (HERE).

About Japan Society’s Education Program
Japan Society’s Education Program offers programming for teachers and students, including teacher seminars, educators’ study tours, curricula development, school partnerships, and activities for students and school groups. Programs for families introduce children to diverse aspects of Japanese culture through entertaining and educational events.

About Japan Society
Founded in 1907 by prominent New York City business people and philanthropists, Japan Society has evolved over 100 years into an internationally recognized nonprofit organization presenting a full range of programs within arts and culture, business, education, family, and public policy. Through over 100 events annually, the Society creates rich encounters and exchanges that offer opportunities to experience Japanese culture; foster sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia; and improve access to information on Japan.

Tickets & Information
Japan's Star Festival (Tanabata): Legend & Customs takes place Sunday, July 6, 2- 4:00 pm. Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street between First and Second Avenues (accessible by the 4/5/6 and 7 subway at Grand Central or the E and V subway at Lexington Avenue). Tickets are $15 per family (up to five people)/$10 per family including at least one Japan Society member. Recommended for children ages 3-10. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 212-715-1258. For more information, visit www.japansociety.org or call 212-832-1155.

Education Programs are made possible by generous funding from The Freeman Foundation.
Additional support is provided by The Norinchukin Foundation, Inc., Lesley Nan Haberman, and
Ms. Hiroko Onoyama.

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For further information, images and interview requests, please refer to:

Aya Akeura
Japan Society
T: (212) 715-1292
F: (212) 715-1262
E: aakeura@japansociety.org

Kuniko Shiobara
Japan Society
T: 212-715-1249
F: (212) 715-1262
E: kshiobara@japansociety.org