The winning entries of the “Furusato Nozei Senryu” contest, which received a total of 1,919 submissions, have been announced! The eight winning entries for the “Furusato Nozei Contest 2025,” sponsored by Hajimete no Furusato Nozei, have been announced. The grand prize went to “Dad’s last gift, Mom chooses, and I eat it.”
Groov Co., Ltd. Press release: September 17, 2025 To Members of the Press A total of 1,919 entries were submitted, and the winning entries of the “Furusato Nozei Senryu” contest have been announced! The eight winning works in the “Furusato Nozei Contest 2025,” sponsored by Hajimete no Furusato Nozei, are now announced. The grand prize went to “Dad’s last meal, Mom chooses, I eat.” Hometown tax donation beginners’ website “First Hometown Tax Donation”
https://furusato-nouzei.tax/
https://furusato-nouzei.tax/senryu-contest-winner/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/98805/219/98805-219-aa73854679270947dd6b2afea3889eea-1200×800.jpg “First Hometown Tax Donation” ( https://furusato-nouzei.tax/) is a website for beginners of hometown tax donations. The “Furusato Nozei Contest 2025” invited entrants to submit senryu (5-7-5) poems about their experiences and thoughts regarding hometown tax donations. Eight winning works were announced from a total of 1,919 submissions. The grand prize went to Kotaraf’s submission, “Dad’s last gift, Mom chooses, and I eat.” This poem, in just 17 syllables, beautifully captures the image of a family born through hometown tax donations. It depicts the father’s role of paying the tax, the mother’s joy in selecting the return gifts, and the children’s joy in receiving the gifts. It depicts with humor and warmth how the system has naturally integrated into the home and enriched their lives. Many readers empathized, saying, “That’s the same for us,” and the poem, which made readers realize that hometown tax donations are not just a system but something that brings smiles to families’ faces, was selected as the grand prize winner. In addition to the Grand Prize winner, five Excellence Award winners have also been announced.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/98805/219/98805-219-4bb55974c4ffa2311888fa3dff168c04-1500×1728.jpg Grand Prize: 1 entry Dad makes the last meal, Mom chooses, I eat it Nickname: Kota-rafu Judge’s comment: This poem made me nod in agreement and say, “That’s the same for us!” The father works, the mother supports the household, and the children reap the benefits. I was moved by the clever way the poem compared family time to hometown tax donations. It’s a poem that somehow warms the heart. ・Excellence Award 2 works Freezer Filled with Donations: The Taste of Maps Nickname: Suekkoman Judge’s Comments: The excitement of receiving the gift and the sense of reality of wondering, “Will I be able to eat it all?” were both well conveyed. The expression “the taste of maps” was very refreshing, and it reminded me of the connection to various parts of Japan through food. This system can make paying taxes more cheerful Nickname: First Time Judge’s comment: I was surprised that “tax payment,” something that is often viewed as complicated, could be expressed in such a positive way. This poem is simple yet persuasive, and makes us realize that hometown tax payment has taken root in society. ・Special Award 5 works Entrust your taxes and splurge on gifts in return Nickname: Neihiro Judge’s comment: The excellent rhythm makes you want to read it out loud. The word “luxurious” expresses the genuine joy of the hometown tax donation, and it’s easy to relate. Thank you letter brings me closer to my unknown hometown Nickname: Hometown Discovery Team Judge’s Comments: After reading this poem, I felt a strong connection: “Yes, that feeling!” Even if you’ve never visited a town, receiving a handwritten thank-you letter instantly brings you closer. This poem evokes the “heartfelt connection” that this system creates. Becoming a father, check the box for child-rearing support Nickname: Sagojo-san Judge’s comment: I was struck by how the hometown tax donation system, which allows you to designate the use of your donations, is compared to changing life stages. This work really shows how the perspective is broadened beyond just gifts to include “investing in the next generation.” Using my frame to reach my wife’s dreams Nickname: Financial Resources Securing Contractor Judge’s Comments: I could picture the interaction between the couple, and it drew laughter when I read it in the audience. While cleverly using the system’s upper limit as a subject, it also expresses everyday happiness and the power dynamics between husband and wife, making it very humorous. My thoughts go unheard in that town, but my annual income is unaffected Nickname: Yabuinu Gundan Judge’s comment: This poem beautifully sublimates the sadness of the system’s structure into humor. The gap between the “desire to support” and the “reality of annual income” had all the judges nodding along with a wry smile. Judges’ Overall Comments Thank you very much for your applications to the “Furusato Nozei Senryu Contest 2025.” Despite being the first time we’ve held the contest, we received an astounding 1,919 submissions, all of which were of extremely high quality, making the selection process extremely difficult. All of the submissions were excellent, and we ultimately selected eight winning poems. The selection process began with selecting 41 works from 1,919 entries. Our staff then voted to determine the winning works. Through this contest, I strongly felt that hometown tax donations are now not just about saving on taxes or receiving gifts in return, but are deeply rooted in people’s hearts in many ways, such as through enjoyment in their daily lives, memories with their families, and even a sense of participation in society. During the selection process, we received a wide variety of appealing works, including “works that make you laugh,” “works that capture the appeal of the system from a new angle,” and “works that warm your heart.” It was difficult to choose a favorite. All the judges are delighted that this first event has been so fulfilling. We are confident that we will see even more diverse and unique works in future events, and we look forward to future events. Selection of Winning Entries 251 nominated works were selected from 1,919 entries. From the nominated works, multiple judges voted again and selected the final winners. All of the entries for this year’s Hometown Tax Senryu contest were well worth reading, and the selection was of a very high standard. Once again, we would like to thank everyone for submitting to the Senryu contest. Announcement of the Winning Entries of the 2025 Hometown Tax Donation Contest
https://furusato-nouzei.tax/senryu-contest-winner/ ・About your first hometown tax donation This is an information media site that introduces hometown tax donation return gift rankings by category, updated daily with over 300 items. It also features over 100 special features and recommended articles to help you find the return gift you want.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/98805/219/98805-219-c5b1ef0431a423294fad04824ce0586b-2520×429.jpg ■First-Time Hometown Tax Donation Media Overview Operating Company: Local Co., Ltd. (Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture) Operating Agent: Groove Co., Ltd. (Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture) ・About Local Co., Ltd. Local Co., Ltd. is a company headquartered in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, that operates under the theme of “regional revitalization.” Local Co., Ltd. promotes local products and their appeal nationwide through e-commerce website operations, hometown tax donation support, restaurant management, and more. Local Co., Ltd. : https://lo-cal.co.jp/ About Groove Co., Ltd. Groove Inc. is a company that primarily operates gift-focused online media sites such as Mother’s Day.me and Father’s Day.jp, as well as planning and supporting e-commerce x DX initiatives, promoting the automation of e-commerce sommeliers, and supporting the creation of diagnostic proposal-based e-commerce systems that suggest products desired by users. Groov Co., Ltd.: https://www.groov.co.jp/
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