Furano Bellybutton Festival
The Navel of Hokkaido: Belly Laughs, Painted Tummies, and the Joyful Absurdity of Furano’s Bellybutton Festival
Ah, the Furano Bellybutton Festival—where else can you find thousands of people painting faces on their bellies and shimmying through the streets to celebrate their city’s charmingly odd nickname, “The Navel of Hokkaido”? Every July 28th and 29th, Furano City in Hokkaido bursts to life with a riot of color, laughter, and belly-based artistry, offering locals and tourists alike a whimsical blend of culture, humor, and tradition.
Let’s take a dive into the bellybutton of it all, shall we?
The Quirky Origins
The Furano Bellybutton Festival—or more formally, the Hokkai Heso Matsuri—has its roots in the Furano Citizens’ Charter of 1969, which proudly declared Furano to be the geographical heart (or, as they put it, the “bellybutton”) of Hokkaido. Rather than letting such a delightful idea pass unnoticed, three civic pioneers—Shuho Kurigami, Tohachi Morita, and Eijiro Yokoo—dreamed up the brilliant notion of belly-centric celebrations. This trio of tummies, if you will, managed to convince 11 brave souls to dance with faces painted on their bellies in the inaugural event.
Today, the festival is no small affair. It’s grown to attract over 4,000 participants and some 70,000 spectators, all eager to enjoy the festival’s curious charm. The bellybutton parade has become a beloved staple of summer in Furano, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Main Events and Attractions
If you’re lucky enough to stumble into Furano during this belly-baring bonanza, here’s what you’ll find:
1. The Hokkai Heso Dance Competition
The heart of the festival is the Hokkai Heso Odori, the famous bellybutton dance. Participants paint grinning, grimacing, or downright ridiculous faces on their bellies (these painted faces are called Zubara, for the curious), strap straw hats onto their heads, and wiggle their way through the streets to the cheers of the crowd. It’s a sight to behold—and you don’t just have to be a spectator.
How to Join: Sign up to be part of the “jump-in team” on the day of the event. For a fee of ¥2,000, you get all the gear you need, and you’ll join other thrill-seekers in the belly-shaking fun. Only 100 people can join each day, so don’t dawdle!
2. Children’s Heso Dance
The kiddos aren’t left out of the fun. In fact, the Children’s Heso Dance is a heartwarming highlight of the festival. Little ones don belly-paint and toddle alongside the adults, their pint-sized tummies stealing the show. It’s adorable, wholesome, and a true celebration of Furano’s community spirit.
3. Heso Specialty Market
Food lovers, rejoice! At the Heso Specialty Market, you can indulge in a wide array of local delicacies, all with a creative bellybutton twist. Think yakisoba (fried noodles) and curry, but with a nod to Furano’s rich agricultural heritage. There’s no better place to refuel after all that dancing.
4. Baby Crawling Race
Brace yourself for peak cuteness at the Baby Crawling Race. Tiny tots scramble across the finish line, much to the delight of cheering families and onlookers. There’s nothing quite like watching babies in a friendly, albeit slow, competition!
5. Heso Singing Contest and Beer Party
When the sun begins to set, the festivities don’t slow down. Local talent shines at the Heso Singing Contest, where aspiring crooners belt out tunes for a shot at festival fame. And for those looking to unwind, the Beer Party offers a lively evening of food, drink, and jovial company—a perfect way to cap off a belly-themed day.
Other Activities
As if dancing and belly-painted shenanigans weren’t enough, there’s more to experience at this quirky festival:
1. Heso Shrine
Tied to Furano’s spiritual side, the Heso Shrine offers visitors a chance to reflect on life, growth, and family bonds. You’ll even find the Hahako-do, a small building that houses umbilical cords from children across Japan—yes, you read that right—symbolizing the deep ties of family.
2. Fireworks and Traditional Festival Fun
What’s a Japanese festival without fireworks? The Hokkai Heso Matsuri follows tradition with a spectacular nighttime display. Along with the dazzling lights, you can enjoy a parade of omikoshi (portable shrines), street food stalls, and live performances from brass bands and local musicians, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
How to Experience the Festival
Here’s how to make the most of your bellybutton pilgrimage:
When to Go
The festival takes place annually on July 28th and 29th. The main dance event kicks off around 7:00 PM, but festivities carry on throughout the day. It’s wise to check the festival’s official site for any updates on dates and times.
Where to Go
The action centers around Furano’s Asahimachi district. Furano itself is accessible by train (just a short walk from JR Furano Station) or by car, with parking available and shuttle buses operating for larger crowds.
Cost
Watching the bellybutton shenanigans is free, but if you’re planning on joining the dance, budget ¥2,000 for participation. You’ll also want to bring some extra yen for the irresistible treats at the Heso Market.
Dress Code
While you don’t have to wear anything special, many festival-goers sport traditional happi coats or other colorful outfits. If you’re taking part in the dance, prepare for some serious belly painting—you’ll want a design that wows the crowd!
Fun Facts and Trivia
Here are some tidbits to make you sound like a seasoned festival expert:
- Cultural Symbolism: The bellybutton represents Furano’s central position in Hokkaido, just like the navel is the center of the human body. The whole festival playfully celebrates this geographical (and anatomical) fact.
- Weather Wonders: Though it’s been known to rain before the festivities begin, the main dance event has an uncanny knack for staying dry. Locals attribute this to the festival’s magic!
- The Bellybutton Trio: Without Kurigami, Morita, and Yokoo—the dream team who started it all—the festival might never have reached its celebrated status. Their legacy is honored every year as the festival grows larger and more beloved.
Final Thoughts
The Furano Bellybutton Festival is one of those rare events that manages to be utterly bizarre and absolutely delightful at the same time. Whether you’re there to watch or take part, the bellybutton dance, the unique food, and the infectious atmosphere promise an unforgettable experience. Plus, it makes for a perfect addition to your summer travels, especially if you’re already exploring Furano’s famous lavender fields.
So mark your calendar, flex those abdominals, and get ready for a belly-shaking good time at the next Hokkai Heso Matsuri!