The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, 2454 S. Beretania St., will celebrate summer with a nighttime festival Thursday.

"Starry Summer Night: Tanabata Matsuri in Hawai'i" will feature food, entertainment and cultural events.

The event, for adults 21 and older, is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free for center members and $3 for nonmembers.

In Japan, Tanabata celebrates the folk tale of Orihime and Hikoboshi, star-crossed lovers who are separated by the Milky Way and only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. In some communities, the date is celebrated by writing wishes on small pieces of paper and hanging them on bamboo alongside other colorful decorations that represent long life, family, safety and prosperity.

At the event, in the center's Teruya Courtyard on the first floor, guests will be able to take part in the wish-making tradition.

For more information, call 945-7633.