HTC's 16th Compliance Senryu Contest: Celebrating Awareness in Corporate Ethics
On June 5, 2025, High Technology Communications Inc. (HTC), known for its support in promoting compliance, proudly announced the winners of its 16th Compliance Senryu Contest. With a remarkable total of
8,096 entries, marking a
35% increase in participation compared to the previous year, the contest continues to shine a spotlight on the significance of compliance in modern society.
The Winning Poem
The top honor, the
Grand Prize, was awarded to the poignant senryu:
"If we don't nip the signs of misconduct now, the future will be bleak."
This winning piece was selected for its compelling message about the necessity of early intervention in addressing ethical issues. The poem resonated deeply among the more than
200 compliance officers involved in the judging process, who appreciated its relevance and urgency in today’s corporate environment.
Highlights of Additional Awardees
Alongside the Grand Prize, several other notable works were recognized:
- "That action was a joke once, now it's a consultation."
- "Doing nothing is already doing something; pretending not to see."
- “Career at risk due to power harassment.”
- “Words that pierce the heart are tough to remove.”
- “My boss's arbitrary rules are exhausting.”
- “Can't laugh off sexual harassment, I might lose my job.”
- “Ignoring is not compassion, it's a breeding ground.”
- “Employees cry out from power harassment, and the company is exhausted.”
- “Listen attentively to employee voices and manage accordingly.”
- “Trust that cannot be generated by AI.”
- “A great boss wields the dual swords of praise and smiles.”
- “Improper behaviors that undermine truth and sincerity.”
Reflecting Society’s Voices: Judging Insights and Today’s Themes
The contest not only invited entries but also featured a strict judging process, which included insights from over
200 compliance experts. This year's compilation reflects pressing themes in our society, such as harassment issues, information security, and workplace culture amidst diverse working styles. HTC believes that this rise in participation demonstrates an increasing collective awareness towards compliance, underscoring a cultural shift where individuals view compliance as a more integral part of their professional lives.
HTC is committed to interpreting these entries as a reflection of societal voices and plans to leverage these insights for enhancing corporate compliance efforts.
Additionally, HTC will publish a select collection of
"Top 100 Senryus" on its website, available for free use by companies and organizations aiming to bolster their compliance awareness. This initiative is designed to help employees feel more connected to compliance practices, thereby heightening their consciousness in these matters.
As a special addition,
12 standout senryus will be featured in the
2026 Compliance Calendar, scheduled for pre-order starting in late August 2025, with custom illustrations that complement the themes of each poem.
A Legacy of Compliance Awareness
HTC has consistently recognized the importance of compliance through initiatives like this contest, contributing to the evolution of corporate ethics. The past winning works showcase the ongoing struggle with compliance across various years, from 2020’s
"Gray areas can turn pitch black if layered" to 2024’s
"Power harassment has vanished; employees now exude power."
About High Technology Communications Inc.
HTC plays a key role in supporting organizations with their compliance promotion efforts. Their flagship service,
“Compro Custom”, encompasses a wide range of features for compliance training, awareness, and education tailored to the specific needs of organizations. As of April 2025, HTC has contracts with
1,220 corporations, including
642 publicly listed companies, solidifying its position in the market.
By offering educational resources and services, HTC endeavors to support organizations in transforming their ethical consciousness and behavior.
Company Overview
- - Headquarters: 2-22-2 Koishikawa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0002, Japan
- - CEO: Katsunori Okamura
- - Established: July 1983
- - Contact: 03-5840-8480
- - Website: HTC Official Website