In the Japanese Tanabata legend, which two lovers meet once a year across the Milky Way?

In the Japanese Tanabata legend, the two lovers who meet once a year across the Milky Way are Orihime and Hikoboshi.

Tanabata is Japan’s star festival, traditionally celebrated on July 7, although some regions observe it in August under an older lunisolar calendar. Its central story derives from the Chinese Qixi legend. Orihime, represented by the star Vega, and Hikoboshi, represented by Altair, are separated by the Milky Way after neglecting their duties.

They are permitted to meet only once a year, when magpies form a bridge across the celestial river. If rain prevents the crossing, the lovers must wait another year. During Tanabata, people write wishes on narrow strips of colored paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches.

Tanabata is sometimes treated as simply a summer decoration festival, but its defining story is astronomical and romantic. The visible stars vary with location and weather, while the customs differ across Japanese regions.