The Heart of Hokkaido’s Summer Celebration
The Hokkai Heso Matsuri, or “Navel Festival,” is a vibrant summer tradition held annually in Furano City, Hokkaido. This unique event celebrates Furano’s geographical distinction as the “navel” (center) of Hokkaido. Its main attraction, the “Heso Odori” (navel dance), transforms participants’ bellies into comical faces, hidden by large straw hats, creating a spectacle of humor and joy that delights onlookers. Since its inception in 1969, the festival has grown into a major summer highlight, drawing visitors from across Japan and around the world.
A Canvas for Creativity: The Poster Design Contest
The Executive Committee is seeking designs that embody the lively atmosphere of Furano in summer, the distinctive humor of the Heso Odori, and the overall energy of the festival. This is an opportunity for designers to express the essence of Furano’s summer, where fragrant flowers bloom and majestic mountains shine under the sun.
Eligibility:
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Businesses within Furano City
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Individuals residing both inside and outside Furano City
Submission Guidelines:
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A4 vertical format (4-color or digital data)
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Must include text: “58th Hokkai Heso Matsuri” and “Dates: July 28, 29”
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The Executive Committee can provide festival photos if needed.
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Multiple entries per person are welcome.
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Copyright of adopted designs will belong to the Executive Committee.
Submission Deadline:
February 27, 2026, 5:00 PM JST (must arrive by this time)
Submission Address:
Hokkai Heso Matsuri Executive Committee Secretariat (Furano City Commerce and Tourism Division)
2F Concierge Furano, 2-27 Honmachi, Furano City, Hokkaido 076-0031, Japan
E-mail: kankou@city.furano.hokkaido.jp
(Please include your name, address, and phone number with your submission.)
Public Voice to Choose the Official Poster
The winning design for the 58th Hokkai Heso Matsuri’s official poster will be chosen through public voting. This interactive process allows everyone to participate in shaping the festival’s visual identity.
Voting Period:
Early to mid-March 2026 (Details will be announced on Furano City’s official LINE and Hokkai Heso Matsuri’s official Facebook.)
How to Vote:
During the voting period, you can view the entries and cast your vote for your favorite design via the Furano City official LINE account.
- Furano City Official LINE: https://line.me/R/ti/p/%40584kadxx
Judging Criteria:
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Enhances the image of Hokkai Heso Matsuri.
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Features excellent design, catchcopy, and colors with strong appeal and impact.
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Strengthens the bonds of “parent-child, citizens, and participants” that the festival cherishes.
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Inspires participation in the festival and its dances.
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Conveys the power, fun, and festive atmosphere of the Heso Odori.
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Expresses the “power” and “joy of dancing” that communicate the festival’s image.
A Legacy of Vibrant Posters
Take a look at the captivating designs from past Hokkai Heso Matsuri events, which showcase the evolution of this beloved festival’s visual identity:
“This isn’t just a design contest; it’s an invitation to paint a piece of Hokkaido’s vibrant soul onto a canvas,” the committee emphasizes. “The winning design will serve as a vibrant invitation, beckoning visitors to experience the unique charm and communal joy that defines the Hokkai Heso Matsuri.”
About Furano City
Furano City, known as the “navel of Hokkaido,” is located at the geographical center of the island. It experiences distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from below -30°C in winter to over +30°C in summer. Agriculture is its primary industry, making it one of Japan’s leading production areas, alongside being a popular tourist destination for domestic and international visitors. Furano is also dedicated to environmental sustainability, practicing thorough waste separation and recycling, and aiming to achieve zero-carbon city status by 2050.
Further Information:
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Hokkai Heso Matsuri Official Website: https://hesomatsuri.com/
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Hokkai Heso Matsuri Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hokkaihesomatsuri/
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Furano City Official Website: https://www.city.furano.hokkaido.jp/
This design contest offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Hokkaido’s most cherished cultural events, potentially bringing the charm of the Heso Matsuri to an even wider global audience and inspiring future generations of festival-goers.
