Prolonged rain and then super high humidity hampered the construction effort but thankfully ice cold tea was on tap.
The tanabata decoration are hung from large bamboo poles (20 cm in diameter, three poles strapped together) anchored in 1m square concrete blocks.  A series of pulleys and ropes (directly attached the bamboo) held everything together and allowed each float to be winched into position.  The process was more complicated than I imagined and it was a lovely display of teamwork and dedication from the Shimobun locals to erect everything in one day!

What’s this thing?

With the decorations finally hung and the sun disappearing behind the mountains, beer in hand we watched the lights inside the decorations start to glow.