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Myriad candles form a “starry” path in the grounds of Zojoji temple in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on Wednesday. The Milky Way-like pattern was shown off during a press preview for the temple’s Tanabata festivities. Tanabata, also called the Star Festival, originated in a Chinese legend about two doomed lovers — the stars Vega and Altair — who can only meet once-a-year, on July 7. Each of the around 2,000 candles was wrapped in traditional washi paper. The event was organized by students of Tama University, Tokyo, and Miura Gakuen High School in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. “I hope the candles will light up society, which has become somewhat dimmed by the novel coronavirus,” said the 17-year-old project leader. The candles can be seen in the temple precinct from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday evening. Admission is free.
