Kisuke Co., Ltd. (Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture), operator of 'Iyo Onsengo Kisuke no Yu' and 'Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu,' has announced the winning entries of 'Sauna Senryu 2026,' a haiku-style poetry contest open to sauna enthusiasts (sauna lovers) nationwide.

From a passionate total of 777 submissions, we present a collection of works that symbolize contemporary sauna culture. Hosted by Kisuke no Yu, which aims to become the 'sacred destination for saunas,' this contest is a cultural initiative to express the joy, bonds, and fleeting moments of daily life through the traditional 5-7-5 syllable structure.

This year’s entries captured the enthusiasm of diverse generations—from the daily lives of 'smart sauna users' leveraging the latest technology to the timeless camaraderie of naked socializing.

Grand Prix: The Bonds Forged in Sauna "Strangers become close through sauna, no longer strangers"

(Submitter: Tomo-chan, 43 years old)

[Judges' Comment] This verse naturally conveys how sauna facilities are more than just bathing spaces—they are community hubs connecting people. The auditory repetition of 'strangers' transformed through 'sauna' creates a pleasing, memorable line.

Excellence Award: The Fusion of Evolving Sauna Styles and Tradition Three works capturing modern sauna scenes were selected for the Excellence Award.

"From my watch, reading heart rate data: 'Time to step out now'" (Kisaukatsu-san, 31 years old)

This brilliantly portrays modern sauna culture, where wearable devices act as 'sauna mentors,' guiding users toward 'totonoi' (a state of physical and mental balance) through data-driven dialogue.

"Senryu and sauna—my five senses (wordplay: 'kogan') perfectly tuned" (Mocchi-san, 35 years old)

A brilliant piece blending linguistic precision and heightened bodily awareness, shining with intellectual humor through the pun on 'five senses' (kogaku) and 'word feel' (kogan).

"Look at me—praised in the sauna, now I can't bring myself to leave" (Tetsu-san, 57 years old)

With the subtle elegance typical of senryu, this captures the adult desire for recognition and stubborn pride, reminiscent of childhood memories.

Commendable Works: The Relatable 'Everyday' of Sauna Life The diverse commendable entries featured scenes that every sauna lover can instantly relate to.

Kisuke no Yu’s Vision: A Lifestyle with Sauna

Through 'Sauna Senryu 2026,' we reaffirm that saunas are not merely tools for refreshment, but a 'culture' that fosters self-reflection and warm connections with others.

The total of 777 submissions proves that many people find their own personal stories within the sauna. Kisuke no Yu will continue to provide experiences that make your pulse race and spaces where you can truly feel 'totonoi'—in body and soul.

Facility: Iyo Onsengo Kisuke no Yu

▲ Grand Reopening: Launching June 2026!

Phone: 089-921-0131 Hours: 5:00–26:00 (Last entry at 25:00) Official Website: https://www.kisuke.com/yu-matsuyama/

Facility: Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu

▲ Ginger Sauna: Launching June 2026!

Phone: 0898-22-0026 Hours: 6:00–24:00 (Last entry at 23:00) Official Website: https://www.kisuke.com/yu-imabari/

[Inquiries]

Shimanami Onsen Kisuke no Yu: Yoichiro Iwasaki

Facility Phone: 0898-22-0026

Mobile: 090-9552-6233

Email: iwasaki@kisuke.com

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event