Consul-General Attends the 19th World Children’s Haiku Contest Malaysia Prize Presentation Ceremony
2026/8/5
On August 4th, Mr. Shinya Machida, Consul-General of Japan in Penang, attended the 19th World Children’s Haiku Contest Malaysia Prize Presentation Ceremony held at the Penang Digital Library. Representatives of Japan Airlines and the JAL Foundation, educators, teachers, parents, guardians and award winners attended the ceremony.
A representative of Japan Airlines stated that the contest provides children with an opportunity to observe the world around them, express their thoughts and feelings through haiku, and deepen their understanding of different cultures. It was also introduced that a total of 260 entries had been submitted by students from 19 schools and individual participants across Malaysia under this year’s theme, “Sound.”
Mr. Machida expressed his respect for the longstanding efforts of Japan Airlines and the JAL Foundation and spoke about the history of haiku and its appeal as a poetic form that captures scenes, sounds and emotions in only a few words. He also noted that when culture crosses national borders, new forms of creativity can emerge through different cultures and languages, and welcomed the fact that young people in Malaysia, where Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultures coexist, are embracing haiku.
Mr. Machida noted that 14 of the 15 award winners were from Penang and extended his congratulations to all the winners. During the ceremony, prizes were presented to the winners and their works were introduced, followed by a commemorative group photograph. The Consulate-General will continue to support such cultural exchange initiatives through people-to-people exchanges and other activities, and will promote them through appropriate public outreach.
A representative of Japan Airlines stated that the contest provides children with an opportunity to observe the world around them, express their thoughts and feelings through haiku, and deepen their understanding of different cultures. It was also introduced that a total of 260 entries had been submitted by students from 19 schools and individual participants across Malaysia under this year’s theme, “Sound.”
Mr. Machida expressed his respect for the longstanding efforts of Japan Airlines and the JAL Foundation and spoke about the history of haiku and its appeal as a poetic form that captures scenes, sounds and emotions in only a few words. He also noted that when culture crosses national borders, new forms of creativity can emerge through different cultures and languages, and welcomed the fact that young people in Malaysia, where Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cultures coexist, are embracing haiku.
Mr. Machida noted that 14 of the 15 award winners were from Penang and extended his congratulations to all the winners. During the ceremony, prizes were presented to the winners and their works were introduced, followed by a commemorative group photograph. The Consulate-General will continue to support such cultural exchange initiatives through people-to-people exchanges and other activities, and will promote them through appropriate public outreach.