Haiku, the world’s shortest poetic form, originated in Japan. Its concise verses capture fleeting moments or celebrate the beauty of nature. For over a decade, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) has hosted the Golden Haiku contest, infusing Washington D.C.’s downtown with color and inspiration during the late winter and early spring. This community art project invites the public to submit original haiku, with winning entries displayed on vibrant street signs.
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Entering Golden Haiku Contests
The Golden Haiku contest welcomes participants of all ages, from around the globe. The competition has steadily gained international recognition, attracting thousands of entries from dozens of countries in recent years. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of haiku experts, with winners receiving cash prizes and the honor of having their work displayed throughout the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
Understanding Contemporary Haiku
The Golden Haiku contest follows the Haiku Society of America’s guidelines for modern haiku, which don’t require the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure. This allows poets to focus on evocative language and capturing a moment or expressing beauty in a short, descriptive verse.
2025 Golden Haiku Contest Details
The 2025 Golden Haiku contest accepted submissions from December 10, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Participants could submit up to two original haiku via an online form. Previously published works or poems under consideration elsewhere were eligible. Winners were notified in early March and publicly announced on March 18, 2025.
Prizes and Recognition
The Golden Haiku contest offers various prizes for winners in both adult and youth categories. Adult winners receive cash prizes, with first place receiving $500, second place $200, third place $100, and a regional/D.C. favorite receiving $200. Youth winners (high school and elementary/middle school) also receive cash awards, including regional/D.C. specific prizes. Winning haiku are displayed on colorful signs adorning tree boxes along iconic D.C. streets from March through early May.
The 2025 Golden Haiku Judges
The 2025 Golden Haiku contest boasted a distinguished panel of haiku experts:
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Abigail Friedman: An award-winning author of numerous haiku books, including The Haiku Apprentice, I Wait for the Moon, and Street Chatter Fading. Friedman is a former diplomat and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C.
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Lenard Moore: A haiku poet with over 40 years of experience. Moore was the first African American president of the Haiku Society of America and a North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame inductee. His published works include Poems of Love & Understanding, The Open Eye, and Desert Storm: A Brief History.
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Kit Pancoast Nagamura: A long-time columnist for The Japan Times and a regular on NHK World’s haiku programs. Nagamura has won a prestigious Ito-en Oi Cha Haiku Contest prize and is a member of the Haiku International Association. Her published works include Grit, Grace, and Gold.
Golden Haiku Workshop
A free haiku writing workshop was held on January 15, 2025, at the St. Gregory Hotel in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. Led by Abigail Friedman, the workshop offered an interactive exploration of haiku, including writing exercises and feedback.
Participating in Future Haiku Contests
The Golden Haiku contest provides a valuable platform for haiku enthusiasts to share their work and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Washington D.C. Look for announcements regarding future Golden Haiku contests and other haiku opportunities.