SoftBank's Award-Winning Stock Investment Haiku Contest Announced!

SoftBank Launches Haiku Contest for Individual Investors

SoftBank Corporation has recently initiated an innovative project aimed at individual investors, launching the “Start Investing in SoftBank Stocks Haiku Contest” on August 28. This initiative is designed under the concept of making stock investment easy and enjoyable. Alongside this, a special website titled “Don’t Miss Out on Investing in Stocks” was also launched on the same day. This site aims to spark interest among individuals who are considering entering the world of stock investments.

As part of this initiative, SoftBank unveiled the selected entries for the Haiku contest, which invites participants to express their experiences and concerns related to beginning stock investments in Haiku form. The call for submissions started on August 28 and was facilitated through the special contest website.

From a plethora of entries, a selection committee featuring economic critic Mariko Mabuuchi chose ten outstanding Haikus, deciding upon various awards including the grand prize. The winners will not only receive PayPay Points but also have their Haikus read aloud by popular voice actor Satoshi Hino.

On September 22, a video showcasing Satoshi Hino reading the winning Haikus and an explanation video featuring Mariko Mabuuchi will be made available on the special website. Additionally, a recording of the reading session, together with interviews relaying the experiences of the voice actor, will also be released.

Prize-Winning Works

Stock Investment Beginner Category

- Grand Prize:

- “If you pickle kabu for long, the flavor deepens” – Pen Name: Itasuke Ponta
- Judge's Comment: Both stocks and pickles benefit from long-term aging. Just like flavor, profits gradually seep in. Compounding and reinvestment can smooth over short-term noise, capturing growth in corporate value.

- Excellence Awards:

- “At the peak price, have your stocks flourished?” – Pen Name: Kazuhan
- “My first limit order makes my heart flutter like love” – Pen Name: Hacho
- “I learned stock knowledge from my grandchild” – Pen Name: Kamejiji

SoftBank Stock Beginner Category

- Grand Prize:

- “My first stockholder, dreaming of SoftBank” – Pen Name: Hanamame Taro
- Judge's Comment: With AI as the central growth axis, SoftBank’s diverse business development creates a fitting investment opportunity. Dividend stability provides reassurance for shareholders since the company went public.

- Excellence Awards:

- “Learning the basics of stocks through SoftBank” – Pen Name: Lalala
- “Stock debut encouraged by PayPay Points” – Pen Name: Maegami Jun
- “Every time I say ‘with PayPay,’ I think of my benefits” – Pen Name: Sansho Uo

Special Awards

Committee Special Awards:

- “After my first purchase, I check the chart every minute” – Pen Name: Kako

- Comment from Mariko Mabuuchi: When I bought stocks for the first time, I was constantly checking prices. The excitement of your first step is precious. Small strides can lead to large achievements in the future. Be confident!

- “Starting stocks feels like pushing for my favorite” – Pen Name: Yu-Ens

- Comment from Satoshi Hino: The beginning of stock investment often starts with finding your favorite company. I need to find mine too!

Overall Assessment

Numerous submissions humorously articulated the triggers for participating in stock investments and everyday observations. The entries captured a range of relevant themes reflecting current times, like “shareholder benefits,” “passion for favorites,” and “inflation concerns.” Moreover, they expressed both the aspirations and anxieties unique to beginners, underscoring heightened interest in stock investments.

About the SoftBank Stock Investment Haiku Contest

The Haiku contest has been designed as an initiative for individual investors, inviting anyone interested in exploring or beginning stock investments to participate. Topics span from funny personal experiences related to investing to the initial motivations, worries, or relatable “common experiences” in stock investment.

From the entered works, ten were selected by the evaluation committee, including economic expert Mariko Mabuuchi. Participants of the selected entries will receive PayPay Points, alongside the opportunity to have their work read by the acclaimed voice actor Satoshi Hino. Videos of Hino reading the selected works, as well as those featuring insights by Mariko Mabuuchi, will be made public on September 22. Additional recordings and interviews are also expected soon.

Contest Details:

- Submission Period: August 28, 2025 (Thu) 10:00 – September 5, 2025 (Fri) 23:59
- Submission Method: Entries can be submitted through the application form on the special website
- Result Announcement: September 19, 2025 (Fri)