Figures of the Japan Meteorological Agency show the sky was clear in Tokyo on July 7 only 23 percent of the time over the 30 years through 2020. A Chinese legend behind the Tanabata Festival says ...

About 12,000 years from now, Vega will become the North Star. July 7 is Tanabata, the Star Festival based on the romantic tale of two celestial lovers, Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair).

First, they knead wheat flour and shape it into thread-like bundles. Then, they deep fry it in oil. This sweet treat is perfect for the Tanabata star festival!

The Story of Tanabata: A Kamishibai Play from Japan ... Yoshio Hayashi, illustrator. Rutland VT and Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1958, pp.17-23.