Can Hiroden bring the star crossed lovers together on this rainy Tanabata night?

With precipitation of almost biblical proportions ahead of super typhoon Neoguri (aka Number 8), it is likely that star crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi torn apart by a jealous father-in-law’s penchant for fine cloth, will have to take a raincheck on their annual rendevous until Tanabata comes around again on July 7, 2015. It is said that the magpies usually form a bridge across the Milky Way out of their outstretched wings don’t like getting wet.

All may not be lost however, as Hiroden tram schedules may conspire to help them out.

Since the end of June the Hiroshima transport company has “wrapped” two of it latest additions to its fleet – the Piccola and the Piccolo – on a Tanabata theme.

Two of Hiroshima’s top tramographers t_Kaze and ubahnhof have been uploading snaps to their Instagram accounts, and even captured the two trams nestled side by side on one ocassion.

It would be kind of sweet if Hiroden could arrange the schedule that they could meet again today – perhaps crossing the Aioi-bashi Bridge in opposite directions. Just don’t tell dad.

Practice your Japanese by watching this short animation of the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi with captions turned on.