Jul 07, 2026
Tanabata 2026
Happy Tanabata 2026!
This Doodle’s Key Themes
About the Tanabata 2026 Doodle
This Doodle celebrates Tanabata, or Star Festival, a traditional Japanese holiday rooted in the legend of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi. Separated by the Milky Way, the two can only meet once per year on a bridge made of flying magpies. Today’s artwork shows the annual reunion surrounded by bamboo branches decorated with tanzaku, or hanging strips of paper where people write their wishes.
Where this Doodle appeared
Discover more Doodles by color
What’s your Birthday Doodle?
Did you know?
The very first Doodle launched as an “out of office” message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first Doodle launched in 1998, before Google was officially incorporated.
Learn MoreDid you know?
The first same day Doodle was created in 2009 when water was discovered on the moon.
Learn MoreDid you know?
Doodle for Google student contest winners have gone on to become professional artists
Learn MoreDid you know?
The time it takes from sketch to launch for a Doodle varies widely: some have taken years and others just a few hours!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Hundreds of Doodles launch around the world every year. Often, several different ones are live in different places at the same time!
Learn MoreDid you know?
Our most frequently recurring Doodle character is Momo the Cat - named after a real-life team pet!
Learn More