Japan's workers seek poetic justice

Tokyo: Japan's salaried workers may have an image as corporate drudges, but some are turning economic angst and political ire into poetry in a contest that opened this week.

"My motivation, falling in tandem with steps to cut corporate costs", went one entry in the contest for 'Best 10 Senryu', a type of humorous verse similar to 17-syllable haiku, but without obligatory references to nature or seasons.

"I'd like to enjoy the rising strength of the yen, but I have no yen," wrote another contestant, referring to the growing value of Japan's currency that is hurting the country's exports even as it makes imports cheaper.

Poetic salaried workers also weighed in against the volatile political climate.

"Now I must again teach my children the name of the prime minister," wrote one.