On the Tanabata bamboo display in the B1 atrium of Palaceside Building, until the 7th, tanzaku bearing wishes were tied over about two weeks by building workers, passersby, and restaurant visitors. Meiten-kai, which organized the display, counted 2,324 tanzaku — 369 fewer than last year's record 2,693, but wishes for Great East Japan Earthquake recovery still stood out, along with many heartfelt prayers.
One tanzaku, perhaps from a child evacuated after the Fukushima nuclear accident and separated from family, read: "I hope we can finally return to Fukushima. I want to see Mama!" Another thanked the gods for last year's wish: "Thank you for granting my wish. The months Mother spent at home after leaving the hospital were truly a gift from heaven. May we live together again in heaven someday."
Workplace wishes included "May my boss's irritation subside" and "May my section chief's frozen shoulder heal quickly." Health-related ones ranged from "May my belly fat disappear" to "May my neighbor's hair stop falling out." Career and marriage wishes appeared too, and tanzaku in French and Hangul made for a diverse, international display.
The tanzaku will be offered at Kanda Myojin shrine nearby. The deity will surely grant every wish.