Belly button Festival

On July 29, 2009, the city of Furano, Hokkaido held it's "Heso Matsuri 臍祭り” (Belly button Festival). In the street parade, children and adults danced with a variety of amusing faces painted on their bellies. Dancers make their “heso” (belly button) into a face, using paint, special costumes, and props. Competition is intense as dancers compete for prizes and glory in various categories.

The Hokkaido Bellybutton Dance began about thirty-five years ago. It was decided that a town festival was needed, in order to unify and energize Furano's people, who are spread over a large area. Inspired by Furano's location in the very middle of Hokkaido, the festival organizers came up with the idea of a dance featuring the bellybutton. In the first official Heso Matsuri, only 11 people joined the dance. However last year, over 5,000 people participated in the two-day dance, with thousands more gathering to watch.



Freaking awesome. Next year, maybe?