The Zenyuishi Contest
2025-07-04 00:48:19

The 31st Zenyuishi Contest: Crafting Gravestones Filled with Love and Memories

The 31st Zenyuishi Contest: Crafting Gravestones Filled with Love and Memories



The results of the 31st Zenyuishi Contest have been released, showcasing unique gravestones which encapsulate love, memory, and family heritage. This year's grand prize was awarded to Satsuki Uemoto from Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, for her pyramid-shaped tombstone dedicated to her late father. Satsuki poured her heart into crafting a tombstone that reflects her father's life, honoring him while expressing her deep love and prayers for the future.

The pyramid shape has been a symbol of eternity since ancient times, enduring the elements while standing the test of time. This resemblance helped Satsuki to connect her father’s humble yet impactful personality, recalling how he was someone who preferred to remain in the background but left a lasting impression on many. "I didn’t want his way of living to fade away," she shares, emphasizing the passion behind her creation.

The Zenyuishi Contest, organized by the nationwide association consisting of around 200 reputable stonemasons, including those from Hokkaido to Okinawa, aims to highlight the significance of gravestones as a means of remembering lost loved ones and the stories behind them. In its 31st edition, the contest emphasizes more than just the uniqueness of the gravestone design; how much thought and emotion the family has dedicated to the tombstones is also a critical criterion for judging. Participants are required to submit a photograph of the gravestone along with a touching story related to it. Entrants must either be the owner of the gravestone or a family member, or they should have permission from the family through their stonemason. This year, a total of 26 entries were submitted by the end of May, after which one grand prize, three special prizes, and seven additional prizes were awarded.

Satsuki's grand prize-winning gravestone stands out dramatically amid bright greenery in the graveyard, crafted from glossy black granite that reflects the surrounding trees and blue sky, showcasing an astonishing harmony with nature. Beyond its striking exterior, the love and respect that Satsuki’s family holds for their late father are clearly conveyed through this beautiful work of art. Every visit to the grave makes them feel, "Indeed, this is how Dad would want it," making it a heartfelt testament to their bond.

Three special prizes were also awarded this year. One winner, an anonymous participant from Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture, engraved the word “Thank You” on their father's grave. This inscription symbolizes gratitude towards the deceased while also wishing to hear the same from family members when their time comes.

Another special prize winner, Seiji Nakamura from Misato City, Saitama Prefecture, dedicated his record player-shaped tombstone to his father, who devoted 63 years of his life to making stereo systems. The tombstone features the word


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