Who is the First Champion? Monoka Kingdom 2023 👑 Results Announcement

Well, the day has finally arrived.

There's the M-1 for manzai, and the King of Conte for sketch comedy. So, why shouldn't there be an award race like that for note? Even those who usually write at a leisurely pace can throw their 'This is it!' article into the ring once a year. It's good to have a place to compete fiercely; it should serve as inspiration for writing.

My call reached my comrades, and 54 writing heroes gathered. Let me say this first: there are no losers here.

'I want to write something better than anyone else and have lots of people read it! If possible, I want everyone to praise me!' No one would laugh at that feeling. Because this is note. Every writer hides that feeling deep down. More than the contests you see on TV (other people's youth).

Because these are people who know that it's more fun to get up on stage.

I can hear you saying, 'Just show us the results already, who won?' (You impatient folks). Understood, let's count the votes. I don't even know the results yet myself. The theme is 'Warmth.' The participants are the judges. The glorious first champion of Monoka Kingdom is...

Toku Tokuko-san, 'What the Extinct Grandpa Gave Me.' Congratulations!!!

With 8 votes, winning by pulling away from the closing 2nd place! You are the 'Monoka Kingdom 2023' champion! Everyone, please give Toku Tokuko-san a huge round of applause! Give them endless praise! The name of the first champion will be passed down for a long time. Now, the trophy presentation from the tournament organizer, Kotoba to Kokoku...

Actually, no, it's a crown here (since it's a Kingdom). Here you go 👑

We have also received judge comments. They tried to convey the warmth of the late father-in-law to the son between a father-in-law and son who had never met (Aruron-san). I haven't had the same experience, but I can picture the scene. It felt real (Matsubokkuri-san). By the way, this was an article I was torn about until the very end.

Now, moving on to the presentation of the supplementary prize. A share from our X account (83,000 followers). Just between us, if this were a corporate project, it would cost tens of thousands or more.

I think my long-winded impressions are enough. If you haven't read it yet, please do! And if you have, read it again. An exchange between a grandpa and his grandson that transcends time and space. A baton of kindness that will surely be passed on. Tears at the very last line; may that wish reach Santa Claus.

And here are those who tied for 2nd place (6 votes each).

Amatsubu-san, who wrote a literally heartwarming article, "A Yellow Pot is Proof of Invincibility." I bet some people even ran out to buy a pork bun (or a pot with a steamer function). The final line is brilliant.

sun & puran-san, who shared a heartwarming episode from their middle school days, "The Ding-Dong Clock." Even though it was my first time reading it, it felt nostalgic, reminding me of a Japanese textbook. Everything was packed into the last three lines.

Yasu-san, who made our hearts flutter with a bittersweet and poignant love story, "Was There Love There?" Humans always leave something behind in their youth (by Ichiro Zaitsu). The message of "never again" really struck a chord.

I think it's perfectly fine to call yourself the runner-up of Monoka Kingdom 2023.

The tie for 3rd place (5 votes each) is as follows.

• That Ramen Tasted Like All for One | Aruron-san

• The Reason I Like It Is "That's What I Want to Become" | Nennen-san

• I'm sorry for making fun of the vest. | Kinako-san

• High Aspirations, Deep Love. I Conducted a Close-up Interview with a 4-Year-Old | Haruka-san

• The Silent Warmth with a Friend | Yamada Chahan-san

As for the overall evaluation of the competition, the votes were split, haha.

What a surprise!Even though they were all great articles, I didn't expect them to be this divided. I wonder if it's because, unlike the M-1 Grand Prix where everyone watches at the same time and you can feel the audience's reaction, this is unique to note where people read carefully on their own? But there were certainly many high-quality works, and there were many comments saying, "I couldn't decide!"

Please take a look at the "Monoka Kingdom 2023" Results Announcement page below. It's also fun to read the comments on each article (you can switch between the pie chart and the list in the top right of the page).

Participant Comments (Excerpts)

Last but not least, thank you all for your many entries! I am also proud of the 92 percent voter turnout. And thank you for sharing on articles and X! I could never have held a tournament like this on my own.

Some of you may be feeling frustrated right now. You might have regrets, thinking, "I should have done this differently..." If you have that feeling, you'll be fine. That is what will drive your "writing" tomorrow.People can improve because they feel regret.

Once again, let's give a round of applause to the first champion, Toku Tokuko-san! Let's all do our best in our respective places starting tomorrow, hone our skills for a year, and see you at "Monoka Kingdom 2024." Congratulations, Tokuko-san👑!!

Below is the winner's interview (or something like it)

I'm happy to receive your thoughts and shares! Please also check out my individual coaching, proofreading, and online consultations.