by Steve Renshaw and Saori Ihara
June, 1999

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When we look at the adaptation of myth and legend imported from other cultures into Japan, we generally find such filtered through indigenous values and practices which have very old cultural roots. In modern times, as in old, it is difficult to find much of anything imported into Japanese life which is not filtered through such values and practices. [Please see Renshaw and Ihara (in press) for a more detailed discussion of underlying Japanese values and historical purposes].

Perhaps one of the best examples of adaptation of infused star lore is the story of Orihime and Kengyuu (Nojiri, 1973). This legend was probably imported from China in the Heian Era (794-1185), and its associated Tanabata Festival has developed through the centuries. The story involves the stars of Vega and Altair and their apparent proximity to the Milky Way.

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