Fifth Japan-EU English Haiku Contest

The Embassy of Japan is pleased to inform you of the Fifth Japan-EU English Haiku Contest, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, and sponsored by Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.

710 haiku poets submitted entries on the theme Rainbow for last year's fourth contest. For this year's contest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the EU Delegation to Japan are pleased to call on contestants to share their haiku related to the theme of Wonderful Encounter.

The organisers have set up a Fan Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/haikucontest) and selected haiku will be uploaded. The aim of the contest is to deepen the relationship between Japan and the EU and encourage people to enjoy both writing and reading English haiku.

• The deadline for applications is Friday, 27 June 2014 (2.00am, Brussels time).

• Applications should be submitted by e-mail to japaneuhaiku-contest@mofa.go.jp using the official entry form available to download from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_000280.html. 
• Only one original and previously unpublished haiku may be submitted per applicant

• The contest is open to nationals of EU member states and Japan who are currently residing in the EU or Japan. It is open to all ages.

• One winner each from Japan and the EU will be announced in due course. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EU Delegation to Japan will offer the winners a round-trip to Matsuyama City, the birthplace of modern haiku in Japan. The contest winners will be notified by e-mail and given further details of the prize.

Website: www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp/