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SGI President - Daisaku Ikeda
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Daisaku Ikeda is the president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a Buddhist association of more than 12 million members in 190 countries and territories, and founder of several educational, cultural and research institutions.
He is a prolific writer, poet and peace activist, recognized as one of the leading interpreters of Buddhism, bringing its timeless wisdom to bear on the many contemporary issues confronting humanity.
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March 16, 2007
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FACOK President Lee presents plaque to Mr. Ikeda
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On March 16, 2007, the Federation of Artistic & Cultural Organizations of Korea (FACOK) presented Soka Schools founder and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda with a special commendation in recognition of his longstanding contributions to global peace, Japan-Korea friendship and promotion of Korean culture in Japan. The conferral took place during the combined graduation ceremonies for Tokyo Soka Schools in Kodaira, Tokyo, Kansai Soka Schools in Katano, Osaka, and Soka Kindergarten in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture. The three schools were connected via satellite linkup.
FACOK President Lee Soung-Rim stated that Mr. Ikeda inspired hope in people's hearts amidst today's chaos and particularly noted his promotion of Korean culture in Japan and the world. Mr. Ikeda expressed deep appreciation to the Korean delegation for traveling to Japan for the conferral. He stressed that Japan must never forget the debt of gratitude it owes Korea as its cultural benefactor and reiterated his commitment in this regard.
With a membership of 1.2 million, FACOK is the largest cultural federation in Korea. It aims to protect the rights of artists and cultural figures and strengthen cultural exchanges. FACOK incorporates ten artists associations in the genres of music, traditional classical Korean music, literature, photography, performing arts, fine arts, theater, architecture, classical dance and film. FACOK currently focuses on fostering young artists, recognizing outstanding work, promoting art through sponsoring festivals and publishing a monthly art magazine. Ms. Lee Soung-Rim, herself a singer in the traditional classical music genre and a kayagum (traditional Korean zither) performer, was inaugurated as FACOK president in February 2002.
Ms. Lee first met Mr. Ikeda in May 2002 in Seoul at the "Dialogue with Nature" exhibition of the SGI President's photographs, which FACOK supported.
[Adapted from an article in the March 17, 2007 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
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