Mid-May has arrived, and the judges of the Ninth Annual Kyoto Writing Competition have come to their very difficult decision of selecting the top prizewinners. We were delighted to receive numerous submissions from individuals comprising 29 nationalities, located both within Japan and in a total of 24 countries across the world — an indication of just how much the enchanting city of Kyoto touches us all, even from a vast distance.

The results of the Ninth Annual Kyoto Writing Competition are as follows, with brief comments from the judges. The full text of each top prizewinner will be posted on this website in due course. In the meantime, let’s join together in congratulating the winners. We are deeply thankful for everyone’s participation this year.

The original competition announcement and explanation of prizes can be found here.

＊　＊　＊

<Kyoto City Mayoral Prize>

“What Remains to be Seen” by Dave Tampus Pregoner

It is often said that class differences are largely kept invisible in Japan, and negative feelings suppressed, for the sake of overall harmony. These musings about a homeless Kyotoite who happens to help a wayward tourist are effective in lifting the curtain on this social phenomenon. Kyoto’s homeless residents — like those everywhere — are often invisible, and this piece underscores their humanity. The line, “We’re all homeless in ways we didn’t know, after all” is particularly striking, reminding us that no one can escape the whims of fate which determine those who progress in life, and those who do not.

<Yamabuki Prize>

“map” by Hayley Noel Wallace

This piece deftly and succinctly describes a location as well as a period of extended time and suggests how perception evolves as one becomes more familiar with a particular place and oneself. Here the theme is wanderings in the ancient capital of Kyoto and the surprising things one can discover (including many ways to be lost). A desire to lose one’s way in a foreign culture provides a novelty repose from issues which plague the heart.

<Unohana Prize>

“Limbo” by Licia Braga

The vivid and beautiful imagery of this piece was striking, and its ambiguity left the judges wondering whether the elderly woman described is actually Kyoto personified in its feminine aspects.

<Writers in Kyoto Member Prize>

“On Repeat” by Abigail Deveney

Ruminations on scenes along the Kamo River. A skater flies with the wind, finding freedom along this picturesque artery flowing through the city. The river’s banks attract all sorts of people, and in this piece one with physical challenges wistfully envies the fluid motions of the other.  And yet, thoughts transcend envy and energy is absorbed. Age finds hopefulness in youth.

<Japan Local Prize>

“While the Lacquer Dries” by Adam Clague

A discourse on the likely passing of a traditional art. So much of what makes Kyoto special is fading away, with every machiya demolished and every craftsman who retires without passing on his skills. This piece highlights that sad fact by describing the ubiquitous lacquerware for sale at the city’s flea markets, all of it genuine, because “Why replicate what they believe to be worthless?” Yet, these remnants continue to inspire deities and mortals alike.

<USA Prize>

“Basho in Love” by John Savoie

A series of seasonal haiku verses which conveys an entire narrative within its delicate descriptions and easily evokes images of Kyoto’s enveloping nature and pastimes while recalling the 17th century master of this poetic form.

Honorable Mentions

“Fait Accompli” by Daniel Eve

“Throw Me Back” by Matthew James McKee

“Tea House” by Erin Jamieson

“The City of Flowers” by Amanda Huggins

＊　＊　＊

Thank you very much to the judges for their time, insights, sharing of feedback, and cooperation in the selection process.

For the official announcement and submission details of our next Kyoto Writing Competition (#10), please be sure to check our website in the middle of November 2024. If you have not yet shared your work with us, we encourage you to do so in the future. In the meantime, please return to our website in the coming days to read each top prizewinning piece from this year’s competition.

— Karen Lee Tawarayama, WiK Competition Organizer