Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is once again on our doorstep and now with this “how to” video you can make your very own Raindrop Cake to celebrate!
This “How to make Star Festival Raindrop Cake” video comes with English subtitles and easy step-by-step instructions, so you’ll be swallowing down delicious raindrops in no time.
All you need is a yellow peach, pearl agar, water, edible gold powder, a bamboo leaf, toasted soybean flour, brown sugar syrup, a microwave and a fridge. Okay, so some of these ingredients may be a little challenging to get your hands on if your’re not living in Japan, but it will be well worth the effort.
▼Insert yellow peach stars
▼Sprinkle edible gold powder
▼Voila! Or should we say Dekiagari!
The significance of the raindrop cake for the Tanabata festival comes from an ancient Chinese legend. The story goes that Orihime (a beautiful princess) and Hikoboshi (a cow herder, also called Kengyu) fell deeply in love and neglected their duties. The Heaven God separated the two as punishment. They were only allowed to see each other once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month (hence Tanabata 七夕, which means the evening of the seventh). However, if it rained, the river (representing the milky way) separating them would flood and they would not be able to see each other – so they prayed for good weather.
▼Tanabata Festival, photo by Zengame
This is why people pray for clear skies on the night of Tanabata so that the two lovers can meet. If it rains, the raindrops are said to be the tears of Orihime and Hikoboshi.
Tanabata festivals are held all over Japan in early July and August. The biggest takes place in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa and is held around July 7.
If you’ve ever thought about making Japanese cakes, or wagashi, the raindrop cake is the perfect place to start. It’s quite simple to make and, let’s face it, it looks so damn exquisite!
So pull out your yukata, start making you own raindrops, and you’ll be the star of the party.
Sources: AboutJapan, Shinjuku City Official Website, Wikipedia, JapanGuide, Youtube
Images: Youtube, Flickr/Zengame
Cats appear at Japan’s famous Tanabata Festival in Sendai this summer
Japanese drink maker investigates the effectiveness of tying your wishes to bamboo
What’s that emoji? Let’s take a look at Japanese culture with these texting emoticons!【Part 2】
Take bites of the Milky Way and summer with traditional, Tanabata-inspired Japanese sweets【Pics】
The top 11 Japanese summer festivals, according to travellers
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Escape from downtown Tokyo! How far from the city center can you get by rental bike in 8 hours?
Spirited Away adds a dash of Ghibli beauty to hanafuda flower cards【Photos】
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Sliding onto the World Stage【Pt. I】
These are Tokyo train lines people most want to live along【Survey】
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Japan’s craziest train station has a giant with light-up eyes growing out of its wall【Photos】
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
East Japan’s 10 most magical winter scenery experiences, as chosen by travelers
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
All Lotteria fast food restaurants in Japan to close by the end of March
Tokyo pub explicitly soft-bans customers older than 39 from entering
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
What are Japanese teens wishing for at this year’s Tanabata Star Festival?
Leave a Reply