#Japan #Tokyo #Haiku Contest #Zenyu-seki #Memorial Visit

Discover the Joy of Memorial Visits through Haiku

Are you ready to unleash your creativity and reflect on cherished memories? Zenyu-seki, a consortium of approximately 200 esteemed stone vendors in Japan, is inviting submissions for the 3rd edition of the 'Modern Memorial Visit Haiku' contest. This is a wonderful opportunity to compose contemporary Haikus (in the 5-7-5 format) that encompass elements of humor, satire, or a sprinkle of wit, directly inspired by your personal experiences or the stories of those around you.

The contest commenced on September 1 and will run until October 31. The theme centers around memorial visits, traditional occasions in Japan where individuals pay respects to their deceased relatives. Generally occurring around significant times, such as Obon, Higan, New Year’s, and anniversaries, these visits promote an essential connection with our forebears and convey gratitude through cleanliness, offerings, and prayers. The contest encourages the inclusion of modern trends and current events in your compositions, reflecting contemporary social sentiments through this traditional lens.

Contest Details

Theme: 3rd Zenyu-seki Modern Memorial Visit Haiku

Content: Haikus should revolve around the theme of memorial visits, following a 5-7-5 format (extra syllables are permitted).

Eligibility: Open to everyone, but entries must be original and unpublished.

Submission Methods: You can submit your work via postcard, email, or an online submission form. Please include your name, age, phone number, and pen name if desired. There’s no limit to the number of entries you may submit.

• - Email submissions: [email protected]
• - Online submission: Submission Form, or through Zenyu-seki's websites: Website 1, Website 2
• - Postcard submissions: Send to Zenyu-seki Memorial Visit Haiku Department, 2-7-15 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 141-0021, Japan.

Deadline: All submissions must be received by October 31, 2025 (postmarked). Online entries must be submitted by 11:50 PM on the same date.

Judging and Awards: The submitted works will be evaluated, and the top 10 entries will be awarded a cash prize of 20,000 yen each. In the event of duplicate entries, the first received will take precedence.

Results Announcement: Winners will be notified by the end of November 2025 through prize dispatch, and results will also be published on the websites mentioned above.

Copyright Notes: The copyrights of winning entries remain with the authors; however, Zenyu-seki retains secondary usage rights for promotional purposes.

Last Year’s Winning Entries

Previous winning haikus demonstrated creativity and deep reflection on memorial visits. For instance, one read:

• - “In separate surnames, still united under one tomb.”
• - “Feeling inflation in the number of offerings.”
• - “Grandchildren’s hands together, halting my grave consolidation.”

Join Us!

This contest not only serves as a creative outlet but promotes the significance of memorial visits in Japanese culture. So, polish your Haiku-writing chops or pick up the pen for the first time and join this engaging initiative that celebrates the joy of memory while fostering a sense of community. Happy writing!