#Japan #Tokyo #Nippon Kodo #Mother’s Day #Haiku Contest

Nippon Kodo’s 4th Annual Mother’s Day Haiku Contest

As Mother’s Day approaches, Nippon Kodo, headquartered in Chuo, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce the 4th annual Mother’s Day Haiku Contest titled 'Mother’s Day Mairi Haidan'. This initiative is part of a broader campaign promoting the unique tradition of 'Mairi', which is visiting the graves of deceased mothers between Golden Week and Mother’s Day, and offering flowers and scented incense in their memory. Since its inception in 2009, Nippon Kodo has partnered with various companies and organizations to promote this beautiful sentiment.

Contest Details

Nippon Kodo encourages everyone to submit original haikus that express their feelings and memories tied to their mothers, using the themes of 'Mother’s Day' or 'Mother’s Day Mairi'. Submissions are open until April 18, 2025, and can be entered via a dedicated form on their official website. The winning entries, four in total, will be announced in early May during the TBS Radio show 'Panther Mukai's #Flat', hosted by comedian Kei Mukai, along with guest Kenji Murakami from the comedy duo Fruit Punch.

What is 'Mother’s Day Mairi'?

This tradition emphasizes honoring our lost mothers by visiting their graves, a practice that has gained popularity in recent years among those who have bid farewell to their loved ones. The ceremony usually involves offering beautiful blossoms or fragrant incense that resonates with the essence of Mother’s Day. Nippon Kodo’s 'Mother’s Day Mairi' campaign not only pays tribute to mothers but fosters deeper connections among family members and promotes a culture of remembrance.

How to Participate

To enter the contest:

• - Theme: Submit haikus inspired by 'Mother’s Day' or 'Mother’s Day Mairi'.
• - Submission Link: Mother’s Day Mairi Haiku Submission
• - Deadline: April 18, 2025
• - Prizes: Each winner will receive a 10,000 yen QUO card and a 20,000 yen Japanese Kodo fragrance gift set, along with the possibility of special awards from the 'Mother’s Day Mairi Partnership'.

All selected haikus will be shared on the Nippon Kodo website, their official social media platforms, and during the TBS radio broadcast on May 5 and 6.

About 'Furatto Post'

Programming for this initiative is provided by TBS Radio as part of the morning wide show, 'Panther Mukai's #Flat', which started in 2022. The show features segments from Nippon Kodo and messages from listeners, all woven around current topics.

Additional Recommendations

For those looking for a perfect offering for their 'Mother's Day Mairi', consider the 'Kataribe' Flower Box Gift for 4,400 yen, which includes a selection of comforting scents and a beautifully arranged floral display that lasts long without maintenance. More details can be found on the Nippon Kodo website.

About Nippon Kodo

Nippon Kodo is a pioneer in the incense and fragrance industry, boasting a 450-year history in preserving and nurturing Japan’s unique scent culture and practices. With a motto focused on providing a 'rich and fragrant life,' Nippon Kodo continues to engage and innovate around the enduring value of scent in nurturing our memories and connections.

For more details, visit: Nippon Kodo Official Website