This is the final episode of the collaboration project between "Dropkick X Mame Anime (Hokkaido Edition)" and Domingo, which has been delivered over the past three months! And please look forward to "Dropkick X" which will start in July! The theme of the 12th episode is "Hokkaido Belly Button Festival".

In Furano, the Hokkai Belly Button Festival is held every year on July 28th and 29th. People draw faces called zubara on their bellies and dance in formation to the rhythm of the Hokkai Belly Button Song.

The belly figures, which have been drawn in various styles by different artists, move in various shapes and sizes, inviting laughter from the viewers. Among them, the belly figures with large bellies are the most impressive and dynamic in their movements! They get particularly loud cheers.

But why the belly button dance in Furano? In fact, Furano is the center of Hokkaido, and the Furano Citizen Charter states, "We are citizens of Furano, where the central landmark of Hokkaido stands." In other words, Furano is the belly button of Hokkaido. And there is also a character called "Hesomaru-kun" who appeared in the anime!

The first Hokkai Belly Button Festival was held on August 15, 1969. At first, there were voices of opposition that the act of exposing one's belly button was obscene and vulgar, but the creators of the festival refused to give up on the romanticism surrounding the belly button, saying, "The belly button represents the bond of love between parent and child, and the source of life."

The Hokkai Heso Festival has continued to this day and is now a seasonal feature of the summer in Furano. To ensure that the Hokkai Heso Festival is a safe and enjoyable event, young men perform a purification ritual at Kitama Shrine before the festival.

From children to adults, you can join in and dance with all your heart, or just watch and laugh heartily. The Hokkai Heso Festival, which has become the pride of Furano, brightens up the short northern summer with joy.

<Interview cooperation> Furano City Economic Department, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division Current location: Concierge Furano 2F, 2-27 Honmachi, Furano, Hokkaido Inquiries: 0167-39-2312 Official site: https://www.city.furano.hokkaido.jp/

<Photo provided> Furano City Economic Department, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division