Winner of the Japan-EU English Haiku Contest

Japanese

Within two weeks, 523 haikuists (182 from Japan, and 341 from the EU) put pen to paper and entered the Japan-EU contest writing with enthusiasm, vigour, keen wit, and unique viewpoints about Japan and the EU relations. Among those haikus, a haiku from Romania won the grand prize. This winner will be invited for a stay in Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, the center of modern haiku in Japan.

Unfolding a map
the cherry petals connect
Europe and Japan

Eduard Tara (Romania)

Comment by the judge
Sitting under a cherry tree with a fellow traveler the haikuist ponders the world map. Cherry blossoms hint at an adventurous path they should take.