The tradition of celebrating Tanabata in this region originated more than 400 years ago, around the time of Date Masamune (1567-1636) who was the warlord of the Sendai Clan, but it came to be held in the current grandiose style only after 1928, the year of the Tohoku Industrial Exposition. Although the festival had to be suspended during World War II, it recommenced soon after the war ended with the aim of reviving the city, and developed into the greatest Tanabata event in Japan as well as a major tourist event of the Tohoku District. All kinds of attractions such as fireworks, parades and concerts are also featured during this festival.