FCE Unveils Winners of the Fifth Foresight Planner Haiku Contest
The Foresight Planner Haiku Contest, organized by FCE, saw a remarkable number of nearly 700 submissions from school students nationwide. The contest, which calls for entries every year, celebrates the creativity and expression of youth, encouraging students to reflect on their lives through poetry.
This year's theme,
'Message', invited students to convey their feelings in 17 syllables directed toward their future selves, their past selves, friends, and families. The contest ran from May 21 to June 13, 2025, inviting entries from over 1,200 participating schools that utilize the Foresight Planner in their curriculum. The Foresight Planner is designed to enhance students' reflective capabilities and personal growth.
About FCE and the Contest
FCE, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is on a mission to maximize human capital by promoting active learning and productivity through its services, including the widely-used Foresight Planner designed for secondary school students. Since its introduction, the planner has been employed by over 2.59 million students, providing tools for self-reflection that cultivate planning and improvement skills. The insights gained from these practices aim to foster confidence and empowerment in young learners.
The contest has run for five consecutive years, growing in participation and awareness each time. This year's submissions reflect the profound messages students wished to share, emphasizing aspects like self-reflection, aspirations, and solidarity within their community.
Highlights of the Winning Entries
The top winner was
'Oni-giri', a sixth grader who expressed,
“Writing down my daily joys to reflect on is my source of happiness.”.
This entry resonated with the judges for its poignant illustration of how daily reflection can foster a positive mindset.
Three students were recognized with Excellence Awards.
'Pome', a high school sophomore, wrote:
“I trust in the day my efforts will bear fruit; I write again today.”.
This piece shows a hopeful perseverance, reflecting the inner strength found in continuing one's efforts regardless of present circumstances.
Another winner,
'Nico', from the second year of middle school, compared the act of a relay baton pass during a sports event to sharing goals and experiences with oneself in future.
“Passing the baton to my future self.”.
This metaphor beautifully aligns teamwork with life's journey.
The last Excellence Award went to
'Acroball', also in the second year of middle school, who articulated the significance of the planner’s schedule:
“Today's plan is the blueprint of my day.”.
Emphasizing structure and foresight, this haiku conveys the students' appreciation for planning and direction in their lives.
Former Public School Principal and members of the Foresight Planner's team assessed the entries, crafting a shortlist based on creativity, emotional depth, and adherence to the theme.
Future Outlook
The winning pieces will be featured in the 2026 Foresight Planner edition. The Foresight Planner embodies a unique educational approach, promoting reflection as a proactive habit, allowing students to grow and develop their personal and academic skills in the process. In feedback, 94% of students using the planner reported improved self-reflection abilities, evidencing the planner's effectiveness in fostering these essential life skills.
As FCE continues to innovate in the educational space through initiatives like this contest, they remain committed to nurturing student creativity and preparing them for a future filled with possibilities. Having students express their innermost thoughts through haiku not only enriches their learning experience but also allows for personal growth as they articulate their hopes and challenges.
For those interested in exploring more about the contest and to view all awarded haikus, additional information can be accessed on their official website. FCE is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and promoting reflective practices among young learners.