#tanabatala

In 2019, my last Tanabata before the quarantines, Nendoroid Ryuji didn't release until 4 months later. So despite how much I wanted to take photos of Akira and Ryuji enjoying Tanabata together, it just couldn't be done. I took Tanabata photos of Akira alone that year. So I swore to take Ryuji to Tanabata 2020, so my ship could finally take photos at Tanabata together. ...Then the quarantines hit.

So this year, 2025, I finally brought Ryuji, so my AkiRyu ship could take photos together.

Also, Miku was there. I like to bring a Nendoroid who is already suitable for Tanabata, as-is, so that I can have some photos that will qualify for GoodSmile official photo contests---which Ryuji and Akira can't do with these photos, because they are using a Nendoroid More body and a body from another Nendoroid.

8.10.2024. Did some lighting adjustments thru my phone.

Los Angeles Tanabata 2024, in conjunction with Nisei Week 2024. Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.

Nendography from Tanabata LA 2014 and 2016.

The Miku pictured above is the 2012-2013 yukata Miku.

This is the natsutsubaki yukata Miku:

TanabataLA was indoors this year, and I was very confused. I was actually afraid it wouldn't still be free to view.

Turned out, Tanabata was still free. You just have to check-in at a desk by the museum door. They give you a sticker to wear, and there are in-and-out privileges.

It’s nice to have air conditioning and bathrooms, but i do miss the outdoors kazari setup. It was like walking beneath a forest of decorations. 🎋💖 And more room.

(Pic below from Los Angeles Tanabata 2019)

At the indoors LA Tanabata 2024, I feel like I’m in the way, whenever i stop to take photos of the kazari. And it’s more embarrassing to do figure photography, with the more closed space and everyone's eyes on everyone else. I feel like I can’t just hang out there. And there are less decorations to admire. I miss all the food booths, steps away, while watching a stage performance under a big canopy. I miss hanging out amid the kazari, right after LA Tanabata finally honed their set-up with cinderblock seating and platforms so people could take photos while standing right next to some of the kazari. I miss taking photos of the decorations for hours at a time.

(5 pics below from Los Angeles Tanabata 2019)

I had hoped I would get used to 2024's indoor setup this year. It’s nice to not have to worry about heat exhaustion, especially for all these kids. Today is the Family Festival, after all. I didn't try the bathrooms, but it was so very nice to know that they were available. Still, I have to admit, that I ended up spending most of LA Tanabata 2024 in Japanese Village Plaza and Weller Court instead. Sorry.

Below are 3 photos from LA Tanabata 2024. The area where the kazari are usually displayed, was now sadly empty for 2024.

8/18/2024. Did some lighting adjustments thru my phone.

Nisei Week (more than Los Angeles Tanabata) 2024, in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.