Incredibly Ingenious: Japanese Inventions You Can't Find Elsewhere

11. Heso Matsuri Hokkai

What It Is: A Festival Honoring the Navel, Held Every Year

Average Cost to Attend: $0

Japan hosts the unique Hokkai Heso Matsuri, or Belly Button Festival, every year on July 28 and 29. This one-of-a-kind celebration, which began in the late 1960s, aims to "strengthen social bonds using the belly button."

Taking place in Furano City, the festival features a variety of activities, including parades, contests, and performances, all centered around the theme of the navel. Participants often showcase their creativity by decorating their bellies, and the event fosters a sense of community and fun among attendees.

Source: Hokkai Heso Matsuri on Facebook and at ohmatsuricom

The Hokkai Heso Matsuri centers around the Hokushin Shrine, which honors the belly button and serves as a place for prayers related to birth, love, life, growth, peace, thriving, happiness, and health. This shrine is a significant focal point of the festival, embodying the spirit of the celebration.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Hokkai Belly Dance Competition, where an impressive 4,000 dancers compete over two days in the vibrant streets of Furano. This lively event showcases a variety of dance styles and attracts participants from all over, making it a thrilling spectacle for both competitors and spectators.

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