Contest Comments by David McMurray

This contest received 4,312 entries, of which a record high 2,483 were photo-haiku composed in English. 1,820 haiku were matched to 14 photos supplied by the organizer for two categories: 7 scenes of Matsuyama, and 7 scenes of other cities. Increasing by 5 percent from last year, the number of entries in English reached an all-time high. The preliminary judge short-listed qualifiers. The final judge selected a grand-prix, one award for excellence, and 5 honorable mentions for the tourism exchange cities category. Entries from Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, and Japan led the competition which attracted photo-haikuists from around the world.

Grand Prix

AustraliaMark Miller

deep summer’s yellow
the whole mountainside turns
to face the sun

Comment from the Judge: David McMurray

The photo-haikuist focused our attention on a mass of warm colors moving in rhythm with the path of the sun. The well-crafted lines highlight the essence of late summer, at the peak of its joy and vitality. This well-structured photo-haiku which deftly resonates between text and photo is deserving of a grand prix.

Sunflower Hill, Higashimatsuyama Agricultural Park (Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture)

Award for Excellence

CanadaKarin Hedetniemi

storm warning
stacking the hearth
with books

Comment from the Judge: David McMurray

The photo-haiku captures the trepidation of a stormy night. In contrast to the wildness of the weather, stacking books by the fireside adds a sense of comfort and warmth. Chopped wood is used to stoke a fire, heaven forbid reaching the need to ever burn books. The central focus of this scene alludes to the idea of preparing to spend time peacefully and safely at home reading amidst the chaos outside.

Kannon-zaki Lighthouse (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)