#Japan #Kotodaman #Iruma #Sayama Tea #Iruma City

A Creative Fusion: KotoDaman and Iruma City Unite for Haiku Celebration

In an exciting collaboration, MIXI Inc. brought together the unique realm of mobile RPGs with the rich culture of Iruma City, known for its famous Sayama tea. From May 1 to 14, 2025, they launched an event called "Let's Write Haiku!" that encouraged local residents to express their love for their region through poetry. This innovative initiative culminated in an award ceremony held on June 1—the national Sayama Tea Day—at ALIT, the Iruma City Museum.

The event sought to intertwine KotoDaman's focus on language with the natural beauty and cultural significance of Iruma City. The goal was not only to raise awareness about Sayama tea but also to foster a sense of community pride and appreciation through the art of haiku, a traditional Japanese poetic form.

More than 300 submissions flooded in from participants across four categories: elementary school students, middle school students, high school students and above, and KotoDaman players. The award ceremony highlighted twelve outstanding winners whose haiku encapsulated themes such as the delightful flavor of Sayama tea, the pristine landscapes of Iruma, and a deep love for their hometown.

The haiku showcased an inspiring blend of creativity and connection, reflected in succinct verses that adhered to the classic 5-7-5 syllable structure. Judges praised the entries, noting the vivid sensitivity of the younger poets and recognizing that the submissions effectively conveyed the unique charm of the region, reinforcing the power of words to connect people and places.

Among the recipients was an elementary school winner whose haiku beautifully expressed the essence of Sayama tea:

"Sayama tea's aroma,

wafts from Grandpa's hands."

Other remarkable haiku included heartfelt expressions like,

"In school commute,

wrapped in greenery,

the tea fields thrive."

The ceremony itself was a heartwarming occasion, with participants, families, and dignitaries—including the Mayor of Iruma City, Riichiro Sugishima—gathering to celebrate the young poets. Award certificates were presented, filling the room with joy and a sense of achievement.

KotoDaman’s producer, Kazuhiko Otsuki, reflected on the project’s impact, emphasizing the connection between words and community. He remarked, "Words carry emotions and link our worlds. This encounter between Sayama tea's leaves and the leaves of language was enriched by the heartfelt expressions from Iruma's residents and the youth. It revealed the warmth that can be woven through our shared love for creativity and culture."

The KotoDaman team is committed to using the power of language to enhance everyday life and is eager to explore further collaborations with other municipalities and educational institutions. This project has opened pathways for new creative endeavors that blend entertainment with regional resources, revealing broader possibilities for cultural expression.

Awards Ceremony Highlights

At the awards ceremony, excitement buzzed through the air as winners were announced. The community came together, with parents beaming with pride. The event was hosted by Misuzu Araki, who guided the audience through the festivities, ensuring that each moment was celebrated. The gathering was a reminder of how language can unite diverse individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for local heritage.

KotoDaman continues to focus on bridging the realms of play and education, advocating for cultural dissemination, and finding new ways to connect with the community. Moving forward, they will strive to enhance these initiatives within and beyond gaming, nurturing future generations to appreciate and articulate their cultural narratives through the art of language.

This collaboration with Iruma City exemplifies the potential of combining entertainment with cultural appreciation, marking a significant milestone for KotoDaman in strengthening community ties through creativity and innovation.