While it is certainly not the end of Summer in Tokyo our Summer in the City Haiku Competition is officially closed. We would like to thank you all so very much for making this a very entertaining comp, thanks for the inspiration, motivation and laughs.

A quick and special thanks to each of you. Hope we didn't miss anyone out (if I did leave you out I am super sorry but trust me we have read your poems and enjoyed them immensely!)

Suzy - Thanks for the true story and the memories.
Eternity - Thank you for all of your poems from you farewell to Winter to your ode to our new aliens.
Tala - Hope you are still enjoying the summer warmth.
Erin - Your haiku left us somewhat speechless, is this something you do often or are you just a natural? Super awesome!
Katie - Thank you for the lovely emails, photos and gorgeous poems.
Alan - As we said, it was an honor to have to kick off our little competition, thank you very much for your support and guidance.
Molly - Hope that you got that ice cream!!
Jen - Sometimes being a Western girl on the train can be a whole lot of fun - enjoy!
Sigsy - See what happens when you pound those 'hot city pavements' to often. Hope you are all healed and well rested.
Sydney - How is the hair? Hope the frizz has flown the coup.
Nico - Wishing you fun during the 'long summer nights'.
Bex - Hope you and your babes are enjoying a spot of Totoro minus the torrential downpours.
Lindsay - Your haiku and photo combo was mysteriously gorgeous - thank you.
Stephanie - Did you pick up a new fan?
Aimee - Forever dreaming of cute things is a great way to forget the heat, hope you are enjoying the summer.
Masami - Your clever translation inspired us. Have been slurping kakigouri most days!
Marissa - Thanks for the sweet poem, forever thinking of a picnic for the sky.
Hariette - Wishing you many fun and successful summer picnics.
Lauren - Wishing we had some pics of your popsicle stained grin - kawaii!
Nicola - Wishing your breathless city heart a cool and relaxing Summer.
Fiona - Thank you for the steamy image and the equally saucy haiku - impressive!
Kori - Did you get those shoes you were lusting after? Pictures please!!
Robin - Thanks for the insight into your 'wonderful world'. Hope your part of the world has warmed up nicely!
Varinia - Amazing, it certainly was all amazing kawaii! Thanks for the stunning piece of art.
Maya - Hope you are enjoying your summer lovin' and dreamy boys.
Shareen - Still the glorious Haiku queen, thank you for your words, thoughts and art.
Clairol - How is the kawaii deficiency shaping up? Hope you have a whole lot more cuteness in your life.
Lindsey - Shinjuku is missing you, look forward to sharing sunsets and drinks when you get back!
Becca from MySpace - Flattery will get you everywhere, thanks for the kindness.

The winners?? This has not been easy...actually it has been outrageously difficult, like being a teacher with one prize that you dearly want to give to all of your gorgeous little overachievers. But we have to play by our own rules and we said just two prizes so... WE PROMISE TO POST TOMORROW AND TELL YOU EXACTLY WHO THE WINNERS ARE! Fingers crossed

Sweet dreams
TM
xx