19th World Children's Haiku Contest 2025-2026

The Japan Society is pleased to announce the 19th World Children's Haiku Contest 2025-2026 is now open for entries, with the theme of this year's contest being "Sound". Open to children and young people aged 15 and under, this contest is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and celebrate haiku! Send us your haiku and artwork to be in with the chance of winning a Canon digital camera!

Deadline for entries: Saturday 28 February 2026

Rules and Entry Guidelines

Applications

One entry per child (either typed or handwritten) on the theme of "Sound".
Applicants mus tbe the age of 15 or under as of 28 February 2026.
The haiku must be accompanied by hand-drawn or hand-crafted artwork on the same page, using A4-sized paper (21cm x 29.7cm) or letter sized paper (8.5in. x 11in.).
Glue the application form on the back of the work (see Contest Page for application form).
Please note that The Japan Society can only receive entries from applicants based in the UK.

Composition

Any form of artwork (except photographs or digital images) can be submitted.
Every entry must be the original and unpublished work of the child themself. Assistance by others (parents, other adults, siblings, or other children) is prohibited.
The haiku must be presented in three short lines.
All rights (for compositions and artwork) will be reserved by JAL Foundation.

Contest Results

Contest results will be announced on the JAL Foundation and The Japan Society websites in July 2026.
Grand Prize Winners will also be automatically entered for the chance to win a Special Commendation Prize, of which three entries will be selected as outstanding works and receive special certificates and prizes. The results of this will be announced in August 2026.

To find out more information and to enter the contest, please visit the Contest Page.

Schools, community groups, and individual entries should all be sent to:

Haiku Contest
The Japan Society
13/14 Cornwall Terrace
London NW1 4QP

To enter the Haiku Contest from outside the UK, please visit the JAL Foundation website.