Yasu City and the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland are working towards building a cultural exchange programme together. We hope this exchange can grow and grow in the future, and as a way of forging deeper connections and finding out more about our friends in Northern Ireland, we are holding this English Haiku competition.
 

Please do take the chance to participate in this cultural exchange! We are looking forward to reading your English haiku.

You can submit your English haiku to this Google form: https://forms.gle/zvTGUZXtMs9VLyCx8 
Or alternatively, please send it by email to haikuconnections2025@gmail.com (with accompanying picture).


Please take a note of the rules before you submit your work. 

Theme of Haiku

• Summer in Northern Ireland
   

Rules for Submission

• Haiku must follow the 5-7-5 syllable structure

• Haiku must be in English

• Each haiku must be accompanied by a related photo or artwork (can be a photo taken by the author, a drawing, or digital art).

• All entries must be original work by the submitter

• Up to three entries allowed per person
   

Judging and Prizes

• Judging will be done by a panel in Yasu, Japan.

• Prizes in U16 and Adult categories

• Top three haiku in each category will win a very special prize of traditional Japanese goods, including local products of Yasu. 

• Top ten haiku in each category will receive a certificate.

• Selected works will be exhibited in schools across Yasu, and at the Yasu Library. 
   

Deadline for Submission

• Submissions accepted from July 1st to September 15th, 2025.
   

Be sure to enter a correct email address so we can contact you later if you have won a prize! Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions about Haiku Connections or the exchange programme between Yasu and Antrim and Newtownabbey.