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Embracing Life Reflections: Insights from the 'Sorosoro' Senryu Contest

In a vibrant initiative brought forth by Daiwa Life Next, a subsidiary of Daiwa House Group, the 'Sorosoro' Senryu Contest has unveiled its award-winning works aimed at encouraging a positive perspective on life planning as we age. This contest serves not only as a creative outlet for participants but also as a valuable platform for families to engage in important conversations regarding end-of-life planning.

With over 1,302 submissions, this competition has drawn attention to a range of modern end-of-life topics from password management to discussions about transitioning to a senior living facility. Entrants were invited to share their thoughts on various aspects of what they termed 'Sorosoro' or 'time to think,' shedding light on issues that are often perceived as heavy or uncomfortable.

The Purpose Behind the Contest

Daiwa Life Next operates the Precious Life Consultation Office, which acts as a unique one-stop service for seniors. It addresses pressing issues such as caregiving for aging parents, one’s own retirement planning, and overall family legacy concerns. Among their various programs, they provide guidance on moving to nursing homes, estate planning, and even discussions on clearing out personal belongings. With nearly 2,600 consultations handled in 2025 alone, the service has seen diverse inquiries ranging from housing and estate issues to navigating family dialogues around these sensitive matters.

Despite the rising awareness about the need for end-of-life planning, many individuals hesitate to initiate discussions. Common sentiments include, 'It’s too early to think about this' or 'I don’t know where to start.' Additionally, families grapple with the difficulty of broaching these topics, leading to situations where important conversations are postponed or avoided altogether.

The essence of the 'Sorosoro' Senryu Contest is to alleviate the somber nature often associated with end-of-life discussions. By presenting these themes through the lens of senryu—a poetic form characterized by brevity and humor—the contest seeks to create a more approachable means for families to engage in meaningful dialogue about their futures.

Highlights of the Competition

Among the many poetic entries, the contest selected several noteworthy pieces:

Grand Prize Winner

“Tell me please, ‘Passwords’ over ‘Thank you’” (Pseudonym: Hiyoko-san, 50s, Saitama Prefecture)
This poignant message highlights the importance of digital assets in our digital age. As the reliance on online banking and services grows, ensuring the seamless transition of crucial information to loved ones has become a contemporary issue in end-of-life planning, ingeniously captured in a humorous and relatable manner.

Excellence Award Winners

“The Note for End-of-Life Planning with My Wife’s Red Ink” (Pseudonym: Piroshiki-san, 60s, Osaka Prefecture)
This touching entry illustrates a shared relationship where the couple collaborates on issues of end-of-life planning, showcasing trust and teamwork through life's final chapters.

“Circling Third Base, Headed for Home” (Pseudonym: Hidekazu Ishii, 70s, Tokyo)
Using a baseball metaphor, this poem cleverly intertwines life journeys with the choice of future homes, suggesting the idea of transitioning to a senior living space as a new beginning rather than an end.

“It is the Child’s Duty to Bring It Up” (Pseudonym: Miyu-san, 40s, Osaka Prefecture)
This poem evokes imagery of children cautiously approaching the topic of future family planning. Exploring the delicate balance between familial bonds and difficult conversations, it reflects on the complexities many families face while navigating these essential discussions with sensitivity.

For a complete list of all winners, including 20 honorable mentions, please visit the competition results page.

About Precious Life Consultation Office

The Precious Life Consultation Office provides various support services for seniors, focusing on finding suitable nursing homes, end-of-life preparations, and inheritance matters. They aim to create a community where end-of-life planning is seen as an opportunity for better living.

In addition to their consulting services, they organize seminars such as the 'Sorosoro' workshops and maintain a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing informative content about aging and legacy planning. Their resources, including the ‘My Message Kit,’ facilitate conversations about vital family messages and information sharing across generations.

Company Summary

Daiwa Life Next, located in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, has specialized in managing residential and commercial properties since its founding in 1983. With a vision of shaping a better future together with their clients, Daiwa Life Next continues to pave the way for enriched living experiences.

To explore more about their services, visit their official website.