Japanese Natsu is an annual festival celebrated in Japan to mark the end of the rainy season and the beginning of summertime. It is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy various activities, such as parades, fireworks displays, traditional foods, gift exchanges and more. Popular events include Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Obon Matsuri (Festival of Souls), Awa Odori Matsuri (Awa Dance Festival), Gozan Okuribi Matsuri (Five Mountain Fire Festival) and Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display). Common foods eaten during this time are sashimi, tempura, yakitori, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakisoba and mochi. Gifts exchanged between family members or friends include food items, handmade crafts, clothing items and accessories.