The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii is hosting a star-wishing ceremony on Thursday to celebrate Tanabata Matsuri.

The event honors the meeting of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, who were separated by the Milky Way and only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

As part of the star-lit ritual, guests can make wishes on tanzaku (paper strips) and string them on bamboo branches for Orihime to pick up on her way to meet Hikoboshi.

The event is free for JCCH members and $3 for non-members, with food and drink from Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Superb Sushi available at a separate cost.

Entertainment includes music by A Touch of Gold and storytelling by Lopaka Kapanui.