[Lilac Cup] Kacchi Award Announcement [Haiku]

Kigo (seasonal words) exist because of the seasons. Before even thinking about kigo, I always rethink what 'spring-likeness' really is, but this time I've become even more confused. Spring is truly difficult.

(1st Place)

Staring intently at a spring mosquito, the day comes to an end

Kotaro-san

While cherry blossoms and nature force a sense of 'tranquility' upon us, our hearts are restless due to partings and new beginnings. Spending the day staring at a mosquito in such an ambivalent season feels transcendent and beautiful. The static sound of 'staring intently' contrasts with the dynamic season of 'spring,' and it touches the heart.

(2nd Place)

I, as the last piece of spring light

Utsupi

I thought it was good that it wasn't about leading the charge, but being the rear guard—the last piece. The stage is set, and when 'I, as the last piece' fit in, 'spring' is complete. It feels like the impatience of 'I must go and fit in,' and also the resolve of 'I will go and fit in.' The swaying of the heart comes through.

(3rd Place)

Though they chirp, a scarlet sky and a single star

Sekizo-san

A single bird chirping prematurely, unable to wait for the night to fully break. It is as if it cannot bear the loneliness of the night. There are no companions to answer its chirping, and there is still a star in the 'scarlet sky.' It seems it will spend a little while longer in a restless, solitary moment. The lingering tone is beautiful, and it has a wonderful sense of floating.

(4th Place)

Sixteen years old, fighting while wrapped in the spring breeze

Thieving cat / ing ing ing

Events from around my second year of high school, when I was struggling with a vague sense of anxiety, remain vividly in my heart. Reading the article, the author is likely the same age as me. Alongside the peak of the bubble economy, incidents that seemed to hint at the darkness beyond economic development were occurring, such as the Chernobyl disaster and the suicide of an idol singer. The grandparent generation, the parent generation, the daughter generation... although the challenges differ, I believe that the second-year high school students of each generation are fighting while carrying the chronic illnesses of their times. While wrapped in the spring breeze.

(5th Place)

You holding down your bangs, and spring in full bloom

Maya Sengu

It reminded me of a childhood friend who put on their middle school uniform for the first time. The hairstyle that didn't quite fit yet, the uniform that was a little too big. It seemed like it would take a little time for them to accept it themselves. The inclusiveness and presence of "spring in full bloom" that seemed to accept even that awkwardness. It made my heart flutter.

(6th Place)

Spring note, one 'like' for your youth

Budo

When I read the notes of young people, I see them struggling with the very things I worried about in the past. Some are about to make the same mistakes I made. While I mutter to myself, "It's okay, time will solve it," I often leave without writing a comment, just pressing 'like'. I send my cheers to the young noters who are debuting this spring.

(Below are B-grade haiku)

Spring thunder, a theory of happiness based on self-determination

Soup

"Spring thunder" is good. Rather than thinking about various logic, leaving things to impulse often produces better results. What is most important is being able to think, "I decided this myself." It perfectly aligned with my current mood. Thank you.

Super-speed dragon ascends to the heavens and engages in battle

Seven Sword

Based on a Chinese legend, 'The Dragon Ascends to Heaven' is a cool spring kigo (seasonal word). I was impressed that an elementary school student, Seven Sword-kun, brought up this kigo. It feels as though people from ancient China and a modern elementary school student have connected through haiku. Whether it accurately follows the original legend is not the point. Rather, the way it was applied to modern fantasy is wonderful. It shows that the sensibility of finding a dragon ascending to heaven cool is the same. It is cool.

A great leap over the spring mud, the girl

Hanakaze

On a country road where the snow has not yet fully melted, a child's heart races ahead. The way she tries to leap over the 'spring mud' seems to express not only the joy of overcoming winter to welcome a happy season, but also the joy of the child's own growth. The gaze is gentle.

A convenience store rice ball is fine, the spring sea

Hiro-o

I want to head to the spring sea above all else. I thought the expression 'a convenience store rice ball is fine' was excellent. A calm time, a calm place. Anything else is just a side dish, right? It is a soft and lovely haiku.

Princess violets, at dawn, puff out a butterfly

Mekabu

It is beautiful. 'Puff out' stirs the imagination regarding the relationship between the princess violets and the butterfly. Did the butterfly spend the night inside the violet? How did the violet feel in the middle of the night, and how did that change at dawn? It is alluring.

Flower Festival, the extroverted Buddha descends

Sekka

The gods of the Kojiki are full of humanity. Even today, gods in Hinduism feel very close to humans. I remember when I traveled to India, a child at a guesthouse was making god statues fight just like Ultraman figures. I believe any religion where a founder is glorified is a fake. Even Buddha must have times when he wants to let loose.

These were the 12 selections from 399 equally impressive entries.


I usually prefer objective sketches, but this time I chose many lyrical haiku. I think I also picked some that aren't generally considered spring-like. I feel they represent my current state of mind. If I were to do it again, a different set of haiku would likely be lined up.

In any case,

To all the Kacchi Award winners,
congratulations.

🎊🎊🎊

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Ohayou Yone-chan Judging

Judge Koki Kameyama

Judge Shiro

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Judge Noriko Tonomura

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The three major awards (Platinum, Gold, Silver) will be announced at 8:30 PM