I can relate to many of the works.
The important thing is the desire to try writing a poem.
The first event was a great success thanks to the many entries we received. We are delighted by everyone's enthusiasm to "try composing a haiku."
In the selection process, adherence to the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure of senryu was a requirement for winning. Empathy is crucial in senryu, so we also considered whether other readers would think, "I understand that," or "That's so true." I found myself relating to many of the submitted works, and it was a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on my own health. Poems expressing positive feelings particularly resonated with me.
I believe that expressing difficult times in the form of haiku can bring relief and lighten one's heart. If the poem includes words of encouragement for others, it may also bring encouragement to those around them. I sincerely hope that you will continue to compose a haiku in your spare time to keep your mind and body vibrant.

Expressing everyday life well
I also want to be positive and say, "I'll do my best."
This was my first time judging a senryu (short humorous poem) contest, and I really enjoyed looking through all the entries. My first thought while judging was, "Everyone's so talented!" Not just the winning entries, but all of them really captured everyday events so well. The scenes were so vivid, I could almost see them. Personally, I found myself relating to many of the entries in the "toilet category." Perhaps that's because it's something I've been thinking about lately.
There were many works by people older than me (52 years old), but seeing their positive and energetic pieces made me realize that I can't keep saying, "I'm over 50 now..." Looking at the works of people older than me, I realized that I shouldn't be sympathizing with their worries and saying, "I understand, I understand" (laughs). It was a good opportunity for me to become more positive and think, "I can still do my best."

A senryu that will make you chuckle
I felt cheerful.
Thank you very much for your entries to the "First Japanese and Chinese Haiku Contest." We started the "Japanese and Chinese Haiku" contest with the hope that it would be a way for everyone to have a cheerful day. After reading the entries, the entire Wakansen team found ourselves relating to many of them, and the haiku that made us chuckle put us in a cheerful mood. We hope to continue creating many more projects that will make you feel cheerful from the inside out, just like your haiku.