Greetings from Japan’s ancient capital.

Mid-May has arrived, and with it the long-awaited results of this year’s Kyoto Writing Competition. Our judges received submissions from writers throughout the world, and we would like to offer our heartfelt appreciation to all who chose to participate. Above all, we were reminded of how so many feel a great connection to Kyoto, whether they are in Japan or overseas. The city’s essence touches us all.

While settling on the final prizewinners was a difficult task, the results of the Eighth Annual Kyoto Writing Competition are as follows, with judges’ comments. The full text of each will be posted on this website in due course. In the meantime, let’s extend our warm congratulations to those listed below. The original competition announcement and explanation of prizes can be found here.

Kyoto City Mayoral Prize

“The Knife Salesman“ by Amanda Huggins

In this atmospheric piece, the seemingly unseen is made palpable. Evocative prose and supernatural implications draw the reader in, perhaps causing the heart to beat faster. One also gets a hint of Kyoto’s eerie qualities in the snow. Kyoto is, after all, a city of ghost stories. With an air of mystery, “The Knife Salesman” seems to straddle time, as does the city itself. The judges were reminded of Tanizaki Junichiro’s work.

Yamabuki Prize

“Togetsukyo Bridge in the Rain” by Isabelle Wei

This is a masterly collection of artful vignettes concerning food and the relationship between an aging mother and her daughter, which also harmonizes life with nature. An iconic structure provides a loose backdrop for a warm, emotional glimpse at the closest of relationships. A central image is oyakodon (literally “parent and child”) — a rice bowl meal made with chicken and eggs. The shadows of aging and dementia are simultaneously woven as dark threads, contrasting the silver and golden threads of moon and eggs. The relationship is multi-layered and bittersweet, spanning years and the bridging of cultures, and finally coming full circle. 

Unohana Prize

“A Foreign Visitor” by Mai Ishikawa

Nascent love is the theme of this vignette. In the end we find out where this love took the writer, and the reader can appreciate how the memory is cherished years later in a home away from Japan. Each sense of place blends into the other, creating a whole. Kyoto is a city in which one catches a glimpse of many couples. “A Foreign Visitor” speaks to the romance of the city and its gentle whispers of love and serendipity. Well-envisioned and communicating lovely images, the mood is simple and flowing, with the couple’s budding affection embraced by Kyoto’s atmosphere.

Writers in Kyoto Member Prize

“Trying to Understand“ by Kirsty Kawano

As it is so often with writings set in Kyoto, “Trying to Understand” depicts a journey of inquiry and discovery. Many of us hope our experiences in the city will lead to a deeper and more profound understanding of life. This is something that everyone in a foreign place, looking for answers to life’s conundrums, has felt. This piece shows us how to listen to the subtle music of Kyoto which imparts a message of inspiration. Kyoto is particularly fertile ground, providing so many venues and moments for subtle reflection. Kyoto trains us to read between the lines and reveals metaphors for a more mindful life, a lesson effectively captured within.

Local Kyoto Prize

“Umbrella Store“ by Carter Hale

In this piece, the reader is moved through three distinct but complementary scenarios, all quintessentially Kyotoesque: the herons along the Kamo River, the Miyako Odori, and the deep-rooted pleasantries which oil the local social life. The performative aspect of the city is explored in a creative and slightly mystical way. In a sense, this is a series of three word-pictures, the last of which is an ancient umbrella shop. The description of the mossy old wooden sign will give a thrill of recognition to anyone who has glimpsed such signs around the city. They are disappearing, but some are still there to be discovered.

USA Prize

“Butterfly” by Anne Roskowski

Kimonos can’t speak — not beyond their symbols and designs — or can they? Upon reading this beautiful story, which carries the generous feeling of a ritual, the judges noted that the serenity of both Buddhist temples and silk kimono are parallel. An unusual viewpoint brings to life the story of a young girl’s relationship to her beloved garment, which honors her various rites of passage. Well-crafted images evoke detailed visions in the mind’s eye.

Honorable Mentions

“The Stones of Kyoto” by Jim Rion

“Evening Shift in Kiyamachi” by Ina Sanjana

“Site” by Jade du Preez

“no title – torii” by Richard Ferris

“Kansetsu Kiss (間接キス)” by Tina deBellegarde

Once again, congratulations to all! Gratitude is also due 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 (#9), please be sure to check our website in the middle of November 2023. 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 to read each prizewinning piece from this year’s competition.