We’re nearing Tanabata, the romantic holiday celebrating the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi! Represented by stars Vega and Altair, these two are separated by the Milky Way and are only able to meet on July 7 every year.
Nowadays the holiday is celebrated with festivals and streamers. One of the best-recognized traditions is to write wishes on paper strips which are then hung on trees!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHj9bWKh2qo/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by beamwoodworks (@beamwoodworks) on
Of course, fun holidays mean great foods and sweets, and there’s a special one in store for Tanabata this year: Milky Way Youkan! Youkan is a delicious jelly-like dessert usually made with red bean paste, agar, and sugar, but these gorgeous takes on the traditional sweets add some magic to it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI3xx9yjbqp/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aya Watanabe (@ayawaya1106) on
In addition to the usual kohaku-kan along the bottom (amber jelly), these beautiful youkan have a transparent blue and pink jelly on top with bits of silver leaf added. Together, these create the appearance of a sparkling night sky and horizon~
They're made by a famous sweets shop in Kyoto named Shichijo Kanshundo and would be amazing to enjoy with your own Orihime or Hikoboshi under the night sky!
See more gorgeous images of this dessert below~
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHwjro0jwvk/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by miku.leo-mama (@shankou521) on
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQxOaneD1hB/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by kou (@_3_xi_vt_3n_) on
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOq6b42g6xR/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Masashi.H (@mercy_777_) on
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJsC-yLhpQA/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nob Murata (@nob_murata) on
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHnrImOBU7u/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Yuko Satake (@emiru_version_r) on
How will you enjoy your Tanabata? If it's with youkan as amazing as these, it's sure to be a sweet one!
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