The origin of "tanabata" in Japanese is believed to be either "ototanabata" (ototanabata), which appears in a poem, according to "Kojiki" (The Records of Ancient Matters), written by Ajisukitakahikone when Amenowakahiko died, "ototanabata", which appears in issho-daiichi of ASHIWARA no Nakatsukuniheitei of "Nihon shoki" (Chronicles of Japan) or "tanabata, which derived from shoryodana and bata used for Bon festival.
日本語「たなばた」の語源は『古事記』でアメノワカヒコが死にアヂスキタカヒコネが来た折に詠まれた歌にある「淤登多那婆多」（弟棚機）又は『日本書紀』葦原中国平定の1書第1にある「乙登多奈婆多」また、お盆の精霊棚とその幡から棚幡という。