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bamboo grass leaves; sasa leaves
The leaves of the bamboo grass plant (笹). Used in traditional Japanese culture for decorations, food wrapping, and in the Tanabata festival.
Closely associated with the 七夕 (Tanabata, Star Festival) on July 7th, when people write wishes on strips of paper (短冊) and hang them on 笹の葉. The famous Tanabata song begins with 「笹の葉さらさら」 (bamboo leaves rustling). 笹の葉 are also used to wrap food items like 笹団子 (bamboo-leaf-wrapped rice dumplings) and as decorative garnishes in Japanese cuisine.