Karina Tsacheva and Niya Merandzhieva from the Burgas Personal Development Support Center won JAL awards in a contest with 303 students from across Bulgaria. The ceremony took place on 26.09.2026 in the „Sofia“ hall at the Sofia City Library.

The event was part of the 37th Japanese Culture Days in Bulgaria. A panel of judges from the Bulgarian Haiku Union and the JAL Foundation chose the best works from 25 Bulgarian students. Participants came from cities including Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Ruse, Kyustendil, Stara Zagora, Haskovo, Svilengrad, and Kardzhali.

Dilyana Georgieva, head of the Bulgarian Haiku Union, said the judges were impressed by the "true childhood expression and creativity. The ideal balance and harmony between the haiku poem and the accompanying drawing. And the masterful use of seasonal words.".

High-ranking officials attended the event. These included Japanese Ambassador to Bulgaria Sumi and Third Secretary Hashiguchi. Ambassador Sumi gave the certificates to the winners. Each child also received prizes from the Bulgarian Haiku Union and the JAL Foundation.

The program included an exhibition of the winning works. The display featured flower arrangements by the „Soga“ ikebana club and ceramic vases made by Associate Professor Vasil Harizanov from the National Academy of Arts.