One of the unique festivals where participants parade with painted bellies is the "Hokkai Heso Matsuri," held annually on July 28 and 29 in Furano, Hokkaido. Located in the center of Hokkaido, Furano is considered the "navel" of the region. The festival aims to strengthen the bonds between parents, citizens, and participants through this symbolic "navel." It has become one of the major events in Furano, set amidst its beautiful natural surroundings.

The festival takes place in the shopping district in front of Furano Station in Hokkaido. Participants paint faces, called "zubara," on their bellies and parade with their stomachs exposed, dancing to the rhythm of the "Hokkai Heso Ondo" chant, "Iijanai ka, Iijanai ka" ("Isn't it great, isn't it great"). The impressive artwork on their large bellies is truly a sight to behold!

This festival originated during Japan's period of rapid economic growth in the 1960s. The idea emerged in Furano City, with residents expressing a desire for a new event that everyone could participate in. During discussions for the annual August commerce festival, someone suggested incorporating a dance themed around the city's central marker stone (symbolizing the center of Hokkaido), using the "navel" as a concept.

The first event was held on August 15, 1969, with preparations including the lyrics and composition of the "Hokkai Heso Ondo," choreography for the dance, and the creation of the "zubara" belly paintings. The debut featured 301 dancers, with 290 in yukata and 11 with painted bellies.

In 2024, the festival theme is "Dance at Night ~56th Summer~." A highlight is the Hokkai Heso Dance Competition, where participants paint faces called "zubara" on their bellies and dance. These unique belly paintings display a variety of expressions, bringing laughter to the audience.

You can join in on the fun as spontaneous participation on the day is welcome (participation fee: 3,000 yen, subject to change), making it a perfect opportunity to watch or dance and create unforgettable summer memories in Furano.

The venue also features the Heso Special Market, where local Furano restaurants offer their culinary specialties, along with taiko drum and calligraphy performances.

Held annually on August 26 and 27 in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, near the iconic Mount Fuji, the Yoshida Fire Festival is a spectacular event. With over 450 years of history, it is counted among Japan's three most unique festivals and Japan's top ten fire festivals. Recognized as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Yamanashi Prefecture, this festival is a standout event representing Fujiyoshida.

The Yoshida Fire Festival is celebrated by two shrines: Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Shrine. The festival begins on the afternoon of August 26 at Suwa Shrine. By dusk, over 100 large torches, each standing 3 meters tall and shaped like bamboo shoots, are lit simultaneously, turning the town into a sea of fire that continues late into the night. On August 27, mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the streets in a grand procession.

Originally, the festival was a celebration of Suwa Shrine. According to legend, when the deity of Suwa was fleeing from pursuers, the local residents welcomed the deity with torches. Seeing the torches, the pursuers mistook them for reinforcements and fled, allowing the deity to stay in the area for a while. This event is said to be the origin of the festival, held to honor the Suwa deity, although the exact details remain unclear.

A highlight of the festival is the breathtaking sight of over 100 large torches being lit around 6:30 PM on the 26th. The road, illuminated by these torches over a distance of about 2 kilometers, creates an enchanting scene that leaves spectators in awe. The torches burn brightly into the night, enhancing the festival's lively atmosphere. As a sacred event, the festival also features numerous shrine officials and traditional Kagura performances (dances and songs dedicated to the gods), offering a uniquely Japanese experience.

The National Kokeshi Festival, celebrating the charming kokeshi dolls, is held in Miyagi Prefecture. This traditional festival features works from artisans of 11 kokeshi lineages primarily from the Tohoku region. It began in 1948 to commemorate the establishment of a monument for the kokeshi enthusiast, Kaname Fukazawa. Renamed the National Kokeshi Festival in 1953, it will celebrate its 69th edition in 2024.

Kokeshi are wooden dolls crafted with the skilled techniques of lathes and kanna (wood shaving tools), a tradition that has been passed down since the late Edo period. Originating as souvenirs from the hot spring regions of Tohoku, they developed unique shapes and decorations specific to each area. Among the various traditional kokeshi, "Naruko Kokeshi" are primarily made from mizuki (dogwood) wood. A distinctive feature of Naruko Kokeshi is their ability to make a "kya-kya" sound when the head is turned. Their warm wooden texture and charming, gentle expressions provide a sense of comfort.

The National Kokeshi Festival aims to promote the beauty of traditional kokeshi, providing a venue for artisans to gather, hone their skills, and foster the growth and development of this traditional craft.

At the venue, you can enjoy a variety of activities including an exhibition of award-winning works from the National Kokeshi Festival competition, live demonstrations by artisans, sales, and a paid painting experience. The festival draws many kokeshi enthusiasts. On Saturday night, the Naruko Onsen town hosts a festival parade, featuring the elegant "Naruko Dance" performed in kokeshi-patterned yukata. The parade includes large papier-mâché kokeshi over two meters tall and mikoshi adorned with kokeshi designs, creating an evening filled with kokeshi-themed excitement.

At the same venue, you can also visit the Naruko Lacquerware Exhibition and the Edo Shitamachi Craftsmen Exhibition from Taito Ward, Tokyo. Naruko Onsen, one of Japan's premier hot spring areas, boasts seven of the ten types of hot spring waters found in Japan. In addition to the festival, you can enjoy hot spring hopping, offering a full experience of kokeshi, hot springs, and Japanese culture.

The Nagata Hyottoko Dance, a traditional performance passed down since the Meiji era, takes place in the Shiomi Nagata district of Hyuga City, Miyazaki Prefecture. To preserve this cultural heritage and promote regional revitalization and tourism, the Hyuga Hyottoko Summer Festival was established in 1984.

"Hyottoko" refers to a comical character often depicted wearing a mask with pursed lips. The name is believed to derive from "Hiotoko" ("fire man"), referring to a man blowing on a fire. The Nagata Hyottoko Dance, passed down in this region, is performed on various occasions to celebrate a good harvest and wish for prosperous business. It is also recognized as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Hyuga City.

The festival has an interesting origin story. Long ago, a couple named Hyosuke and Okame prayed every morning to the Inari deity for children. One day, a hungry priest ate the offerings, angering the deity, who appeared as a fox. However, the fox was captivated by Okame's beauty and began dancing to get her attention. Mesmerized, Okame, Hyosuke, and the villagers joined in the dance. This story inspired the creation of the dance performed at the festival.

The unique masks with their comical expressions and the writhing dance movements make this festival a one-of-a-kind, joyous event that brings smiles to everyone watching. For those who want more than just spectating, anyone who loves the Hyottoko Dance can participate, whether in a group or as an individual, regardless of age or gender. The participation fee is 1,000 yen per person, and registration is open from late May to late June.

One of Japan's three major fire festivals, the Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival, is held in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The city center is adorned with red lanterns, creating a beautiful sight as they light up the summer night. This festival is beloved not only by locals but also by many visitors.

The festival's origins date back about 600 years to the Muromachi period (around 1400). The Ouchi family, who ruled the area from their base in Yamaguchi Prefecture for 200 years, initiated this tradition. The 26th head of the family, Moriakira Ouchi, lit high lanterns made of bamboo to pray for his ancestors' souls. This act inspired a bon festival for families to honor their ancestors, a tradition that continues to this day.

(*Bon festival: A Japanese event to welcome and honor the spirits of ancestors.)

Lanterns, made by constructing a frame with bamboo or wire and covering it with paper, were traditionally illuminated with candles. Before the advent of electricity, they were essential for lighting up festivals. During the Bon festival, from August 13 to 16, lanterns were displayed in front of homes as guides to help ancestral spirits find their way back. Today, many lanterns use light bulbs instead of candles and serve as both lighting and decorative elements.

During the festival, the central shopping arcade is adorned with countless lanterns, creating an enchanting tunnel of light. Various hands-on activities are available, including lighting lanterns, carrying lantern mikoshi, and writing wishes on tanzaku lanterns. This interactive approach ensures that visitors can actively participate and enjoy the festival. Additionally, booths featuring local Yamaguchi cuisine provide a delightful gourmet experience.

(*Details for the 2024 festival are currently being planned.)

Summer in Japan is truly the festival season, with a variety of vibrant celebrations taking place across the country! While Japanese people may often be perceived as reserved or shy, they transform into entirely different personas during festivals. Especially at these unique events, the whole town comes alive with excitement and high energy, revealing a side of Japanese culture that is rarely seen. Why not focus on these festival timings and immerse yourself in the exuberance of a Japanese summer festival this year?