Peace Tanabata Festival (Okinawa Peace Memorial Park)

An event held around the Tanabata season at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Mabuni, Itoman—known as the site where the Battle of Okinawa ended. Its aim is to reflect on 'peace' through the traditional Japanese Tanabata custom. During the period, bamboo, wish-strips, and writing materials are set up at the park's information center and management office. Visitors can freely write and hang strips bearing thoughts of remembrance for the war dead, messages wishing for peace, and hopes for their families' happiness. The sight of colorful wishes swaying in the wind quietly speaks to the preciousness of peace—an Okinawan summer event uniting prayers for peace with the Tanabata custom.