Tanabata — Japan’s beloved Star Festival, celebrated each year on July 7 — has arrived at Kumamon Square in Kumamoto City. The event, titled “Wish Upon a Star with Kumamon ☆” (くまモンと一緒に星に願いを☆), kicked off on Saturday, June 20, and runs through July 7, 2026.
On opening day, Kumamon himself took to the stage and wrote a wish on a tanzaku — one of the colourful paper strips traditionally hung on bamboo branches during Tanabata. True to his character, Kumamon’s wish read: “Even if I eat ikinari-dango, may my weight not suddenly increase — damon☆” (いきなり団子ばだべても 体重はいきなり ふえませんようにだモン☆). Ikinari-dango is a much-loved Kumamoto sweet made from sweet potato and red bean paste wrapped in mochi dough — so the wish is very on-brand for our favourite bear mascot.
The oversized tanzaku Kumamon wrote will be on display inside the venue until July 7, so visitors can see it in person. Kumamon will also write another wish live on stage on Monday, July 6 at 2:00 PM, so if you want to catch him in action, mark your calendar.
Visitors can also take part themselves. Blank tanzaku strips are available inside the venue — pick one up, write down your wish, and tie it to the bamboo decoration (笹, sasa). It’s a simple, sweet ritual that children and adults alike enjoy, and a lovely way to mark the season during your visit.
Kumamon Square has been a popular spot for family-friendly events throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip downtown, this is a free and easy stop — Kumamon Square is located in central Kumamoto City near the Shimotori shopping arcade.
Source: https://kumamon-land.jp/news
