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 ...

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!

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).

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