Tanabata/Star Festival

Yesterday I worked at Shimizu branch, roughly a 17 minute train ride from my place. I got lost and was almost late, which was a hard way to start the day--if you're late they dock you pay for half the day. Otherwise, though, the school was great: nice people, good students, friendly Japanese staff. Coincidentally, it was the last day of Tanabata, or the Star Festival. It's really a festival for children, and it was great seeing all the young kids in Hello Kitty yukata (summer kimono). Shimizu has the biggest celebration in the region, and it all happens right in front of Nova. Here are some pictures.