Tanabata

July 7th is Tanabata in Japan, the star festival. "Tanabata, also known as the "star festival", takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year, when, according to a Chinese legend, the two stars Altair and Vega, which are usually separated from each other by the milky way, are able to meet."

In Hakodate Tanabata is similar to Halloween. Kids put on yukatas (summer kimonos) and go from house to house getting candy.

Our treat basket. Instead of candy, it was more like snack food (popcorn, flavored chips, etc.)
The sign says 'If you sing in a loud voice you can take one snack.' There is a set song the kids sing when they come to the door.

Houses that have some sort of decoration like this hanging outside means they're giving out Tanabata snacks.

Some of the kids mid song.

CANDY!!!