All News
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 11 2005
Soka Gakkai Indonesia Hosts Youth Music Festival for Peace
On August 7, Soka Gakkai Indonesia (SGI-Indonesia) celebrated their nation's 60th Independence Day (Aug. 17) with the "Youth Concert for Peace: Hug the World with Music" at an exhibition hall of Jakarta Fair in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. The show was a collaborative effort with the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI). ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 10 2005
Nagasaki Soka Gakkai Pays Solemn Tribute to Atomic Bomb Victims and War Dead on 60th Anniversary of the Dropping of the A-Bomb
On August 9, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the dropping of the second atomic bomb, Nagasaki Soka Gakkai held a special memorial service in solemn tribute to victims of the atomic bomb and all wars throughout the world, at the Soka Gakkai Nagasaki Peace Center in Nagasaki City. Atomic bomb victim ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 9 2005
Nagasaki Soka Gakkai Youth Hosts Peace Forum
On August 7, Nagasaki Soka Gakkai youth hosted a peace forum at the Soka Gakkai Nagasaki Peace Center in Nagasaki City. Nagasaki Soka Gakkai advisor Tsugiya Umebayashi, an atomic bomb survivor, spoke about his own war experience and asked youth to continue to work to abolish nuclear weapons. The Nagasaki ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 7 2005
Hiroshima Soka Gakkai Pays Solemn Tribute to Atomic Bomb Victims and War Dead on 60th Anniversary of the Dropping of the A-Bomb
August 6, 2005 Hiroshima commemorated the 60th anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb. On this day, Hiroshima Soka Gakkai held a special memorial service in solemn tribute to victims of the atomic bomb and all wars throughout the world, at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall. With ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 5 2005
SGI-Cambodia Establishes Young Men's and Young Women's Divisions
In July, SGI-Cambodia established young men's division (YMD) and young women's division (YWD). Since SGI-Cambodia was officially recognized as a religious corporation in June 2000, SGI-Cambodia members have developed friendship in their communities based on the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. On July 17 and 24, some 80 young men ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 5 2005
Soka Gakkai Representatives Visit Former Mongolian President
On August 3, an Soka Gakkai delegation, led by Soka Gakkai International Affairs Director Kenji Yoshigo, visited former Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi at the government office in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Mr. Yoshigo conveyed a message from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda to Mr. Bagabandi. Mr. Bagabandi congratulated Mr. Ikeda for receiving the ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 4 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Hosts Women Peace Conference
On July 30-31, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) hosted SGM Women Peace Conference at the SGM Culture Center in Selangor State, Malaysia. Some 1,200 women from eight countries and regions--Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, attended, representing scholars, local NGOs and the SGI. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda ... read more
Education | Aug 3 2005
Soka Gakkai Donates Books to Library in Mongolia
On July 31, Soka Gakkai donated books to a library in the Baganuur District Culture Center in Baganuur District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Baganuur District, located 130 km east of central Ulaanbaatar, is the birthplace of D. Natsagdorjiin, Mongolia's father of modern literature. Soka Gakkai Office of International Affairs Director Kenji Yoshigo ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 1 2005
Hiroshima Soka Gakkai Students and Women Hold Peace Events; Women Peace Plaza Held in Hyogo
On July 31, 2005, Hiroshima Soka Gakkai Student Division hosted a students' peace rally in Hiroshima City. International students from China, Korea, Thailand, Australia and Iran, who are currently studying in Hiroshima, attended together with local Japanese students. Guests included Minoru Tamaki, executive director of the Japan-Korea Friendship Association of ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 31 2005
Youth World Peace Music Festival Held in Hiroshima to Commemorate 60th Anniversary of End of World War II
Hiroshima youth music fest appeals for a world at peace Drummers of the Maidaiko Asuka Gumi express Hiroshima's anger towards war and passion for creating lasting peace In the evening of July 30, some 20,000 youth gathered for a Youth World Peace Music Festival at Hiroshima Central Park, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 31 2005
Soka Gakkai Women Host Peace Forums in Kanagawa, Shiga and Wakayama Prefectures, Respectively
On July 30, the Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee sponsored "A Culture of Peace Forum for Mothers and Children" at the Soka Gakkai Kanagawa Culture Center in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The event aimed to provide young people with an opportunity to hear directly from speakers affected by war. Two ... read more
Culture | Jul 31 2005
Youth World Peace Music Festival Held in Hiroshima to Commemorate 60th Anniversary of End of World War II
Hiroshima youth music fest appeals for a world at peace Drummers of the Maidaiko Asuka Gumi express Hiroshima's anger towards war and passion for creating lasting peace In the evening of July 30, some 20,000 youth gathered for a Youth World Peace Music Festival at Hiroshima Central Park, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 28 2005
Peace Step Compiled by Soka Gakkai Young Women's Peace and Culture Conference Available Soon
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Daisanbunmei Publishers will publish Peace Step, a book compiled by Soka Gakkai Young Women's Peace and Culture Conference (YWPCC) aiming to raise public awareness of peace issues, especially among young generations. The first section, "Peace Image," highlights of ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 26 2005
Pugwash Conferences President Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Lectures in Hiroshima
On July 25, Professor M.S. Swaminathan, pioneering agronomist of India's "Green Revolution" and current president of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, spoke on "The Status of Human Security: 60 Years after the Atomic Bombs" at the Soka Gakkai Ikeda Peace Center in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Prof. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 25 2005
Hokkaido Soka Gakkai Women and Youth Host Peace Forums
On July 24 in Muroran, Hokkaido, the local Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee sponsored a forum titled, "A Culture of Peace Forum for Mothers and Children" at the Muroran Culture Center. Shizuko Saito, 75, is a survivor of the simultaneous bombardment by multiple U.S. battleships on Muroran, Japan's steel industry ... read more
Culture | Jul 23 2005
"Choose Life--Arnold Toynbee and Daisaku Ikeda" Exhibition Opens in Hiroshima
On July 22, "Choose Life--Arnold Toynbee and Daisaku Ikeda," an exhibition showcasing the dialogues between the late renowned British historian Dr. Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975) and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, opened at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Ikeda Peace Hall in Hiroshima City. Some 200 guests attended the show's opening, which commemorates ... read more
Press Releases | Jul 21 2005
Soka Gakkai Peace Activities to Commemorate 60th Anniversary of End of World War II
Tokyo, Japan: A series of events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and boost popular awareness of peace issues is being organized by the Soka Gakkai around Japan. The need for such initiatives is highlighted by a survey undertaken earlier this year by the Soka ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 21 2005
Singapore Soka Association Youth Hosts "Peace@BluePlanet: Passion of Youth"
From July 2 through 17, Singapore Soka Association (SSA) sponsored "Youth Peace Culture Festival (YCF) 2005, held by area. Since 1980, SSA has held a youth-sponsored cultural show every five years, where youth are able to give full play to their inner potential and creativity. This year's theme was "Peace@BluePlanet: ... read more
Culture | Jul 20 2005
Min-On to Sponsor Japan Tour of Icelandic Music in November 2005
On July 19, Icelandic Minister of Education, Science and Culture Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir visited the Min-On Culture Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, and received a warm welcome from Min-On Concert Association (Min-On) President Hiroyasu Kobayashi. Beginning in November 2005, Min-On will sponsor an Icelandic music tour in Japan. Iceland, the ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 10 2005
SGI-Europe Youth Representatives Gather for General Meeting in France; UNHCR Commends SGI President
Some 1,000 SGI youth from 29 European countries gathered for a general meeting on July 6, at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. The gathering commemorated the SGI's 30th anniversary as well as the 30th anniversary of the SGI European Center. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jul 10 2005
SGI-Europe Youth Representatives Gather for General Meeting in France; UNHCR Commends SGI President
Some 1,000 SGI youth from 29 European countries gathered for a general meeting on July 6, at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. The gathering commemorated the SGI's 30th anniversary as well as the 30th anniversary of the SGI European Center. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 8 2005
Soka Gakkai Holds Monthly Leaders' Meeting for July 2005
On July 7, Soka Gakkai held its monthly leaders' meeting, in conjunction with the fifth Kansai General Meeting and the third Kansai Youth Division General Meeting, at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji City, Tokyo. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai President Akiya, other executive leaders, youth leaders, and ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 7 2005
SGI Members in Mauritius Start Afresh
On June 28, in the island country of Mauritius located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, SGI-Mauritius members gathered for their chapter meeting in a suburb of Port Louis, the country's capital. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory message and SGI-Africa Chief Tadashi Minai and SGI-Africa Advisor Takemi ... read more
Culture | Jul 7 2005
Selangor State, Malaysia, Commends Soka Gakkai Malaysia for Cultural Contributions
The State Government of Selangor, Malaysia, recently commended SGI-Malaysia (SGM) in recognition of its contributions to the arts and culture. The conferral took place on July 4 at the State Youth Culture Center in Shah Alam, capital of Selangor. SGM Vice General Director and Selangor Area Chief Ng Teck Sim ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 4 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Youth Participate in National Event
On July 2, at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism, some 1,000 Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) youth participated in the official launch of Citrawarna Malaysia (Colors of Malaysia) 2005 at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. The SGM youth, dressed in colorful native costumes, performed in the opening number titled ... read more
Culture | Jul 4 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Youth Participate in National Event
On July 2, at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism, some 1,000 Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) youth participated in the official launch of Citrawarna Malaysia (Colors of Malaysia) 2005 at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. The SGM youth, dressed in colorful native costumes, performed in the opening number titled ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 1 2005
SSA Youth Division Awarded Highest Youth Accolade in Singapore
The Singapore Soka Association (SSA) Youth Division as a team won the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) 2005 in the Community and Youth Services category, for excellence in and commitment to community service and youth development. Launched in 1975, the SYA is the highest national youth accolade honoring young people, as ... read more
Interfaith | Jul 1 2005
SSA Youth Division Awarded Highest Youth Accolade in Singapore
The Singapore Soka Association (SSA) Youth Division as a team won the Singapore Youth Award (SYA) 2005 in the Community and Youth Services category, for excellence in and commitment to community service and youth development. Launched in 1975, the SYA is the highest national youth accolade honoring young people, as ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 30 2005
Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations Appoints SGI UN Representative as President
The Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN has appointed Hiro Sakurai, from SGI's UN Liaison Office in New York, as committee president. Mr. Sakurai joined the committee in 1999 and has served as interim president since June 2004. His appointment was made official at the committee's annual business meeting ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 30 2005
Conference on Interfaith Cooperation Held at UN Headquarters in New York, New York, USA; SGI UN Representative Speaks
The Conference on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace was held on June 22 at the UN Headquarters and brought together more than 400 representatives from the UN, governments, and civil society. Convened by 17 Member States, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNESCO, the World Bank, and the Committee ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jun 29 2005
SGI-Canada Vancouver Youth Earth Charter Committee Wins Mayor's 2005 Environmental Achievement Award
The SGI-Canada Vancouver Youth Earth Charter Committee was among the winners of the 2005 Mayor's Environmental Achievement Award. The seventh annual awards ceremony took place at the Vancouver Public Library on June 8, commemorating Clean Air Day and Environment Week, during Sustainability Fair 2005, presented by the City of Vancouver ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jun 27 2005
Southeast Asian Foundation for Children's Television Commends SGI President for Children's Animation Series
A delegation from Southeast Asian Foundation for Children's Television (SEAFCTV), headed by President Edgardo C. Roces, traveled to Japan to present SGI President Daisaku Ikeda with its Anak TV Broadcasters' Award. Mr. Ikeda was recognized for his contributions to Philippine broadcasting through the animation series, titled Happy Tales, based on ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jun 26 2005
Swedish Peace Scholar Speaks on Earth Charter at University of Siena, Italy
On June 10, Swedish peace scholar Jan Øberg, executive director of Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, based in Lund, Sweden, spoke on the Earth Charter, at the University of Siena in Siena, Italy. SGI-Italy sponsored the lecture to promote the Earth Charter, in collaboration with four major universities ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 24 2005
Second Installment of Dialogue Series between European Academy of Sciences and Arts President Dr. H. C. Felix Unger and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda Will Appear Soon in The Journal of Oriental Studies
The second installment of dialogues between European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA) President Dr. H. C. Felix Unger and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda will appear in issue No. 1, Vol. 44, of The Journal of Oriental Studies, a biannual journal published by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy. Their dialogue ... read more
Education | Jun 23 2005
SGI-USA Educators and Students at Columbia University Cohost Symposium
On June 10, the SGI-USA Educators Division and Student Division at Columbia University cohosted a symposium at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, USA. Some 76 educators and students attended the event, which commemorated the ninth anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's lecture on "Education for Global Citizenship" at the ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 22 2005
SGI-Europe Youth Representatives from 30 Countries Will Gather for General Meeting in July
SGI representatives from 30 European countries will gather for a general meeting on July 6, at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. The gathering commemorates the SGI's 30th anniversary as well as the 30th anniversary of the SGI European Center. Earlier this year, SGI-Europe established the SGI-Europe Youth ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jun 20 2005
SGI Supports Release of Six-Language Version of Earth Council's A Quiet Revolution DVD
SGI has supported the creation and recent release of a six-language version of A Quiet Revolution, a film about individuals taking charge to protect and heal their natural environment, produced by the Earth Council in collaboration with UN bodies. The DVD release promotes the "Decade of Education for Sustainable Development ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 19 2005
SGI-Korea Opens New Center in Taebaek, Gangwon Province
On June 4, SGI-Korea opened a new center in Taebaek, Gangwon (Kangwon) Province, South Korea. The building has two stories above ground and one basement floor, and features a 3,000-seat lecture hall. Surrounded by the Taebaek Mountains, Taebaek City is a renowned alpine resort and the origin of the Han ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 19 2005
SGI-Sri Lanka Women Hold Second General Meeting
On June 12, SGI-Sri Lanka women held their second general meeting at their center in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Six months ago a devastating tsunami struck 250 kilometers southeast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia and left tens of thousands dead in Sri Lanka. Since then, the SGI-Sri Lanka women have worked hard ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 19 2005
Soka Gakkai Indonesia Members Sit for Study Exams
On May 29, approximately 520 Soka Gakkai Indonesia members, in their teens through seventies, sat for a study department entrance examination at 18 venues throughout the country. The examinees spent two months studying and preparing for the exam, that included questions about Soka Gakkai's history and three of Nichiren's letters ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 16 2005
SGI Women in Nepal, Paraguay and the Philippines Commemorate Women's Division Day
SGI-Nepal women celebrate Women's Division day SGI women throughout the world are celebrating June 10, Women's Division (WD) Day, in their respective countries and locales. In Nepal, SGI members gathered on June 11 at the SGI-Nepal Peace Center in Kathmandu for their ninth commemorative meeting. Some 200, including 70 WD members, ... read more
Culture | Jun 15 2005
Art Exhibition by Renowned Chinese Painters Lai Ming and Wong Wing Yin Opens in Hong Kong
"Cherry, Plum, Peach and Damson--Art Exhibition of Lai Ming and Wong Wing Yin" opened on June 9 at the SGI-Hong Kong Culture Center in Hong Kong. The show displayed some 160 works by Lai Ming and Wong Wing Yin, husband and wife and disciples of the great master of Chinese ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 12 2005
SGI-USA Queens Center Opens in New York City, USA
SGI-USA recently opened a new center in Queens, New York City, USA. Local SGI-USA members gathered for the opening on May 14 and 15. Commemorating the center's opening, New York State representatives, New York City council members and the Queens County District Attorney proclaimed May 14 "SGI Day," respectively. The ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 10 2005
West Chester Township, Ohio, USA, Dedicates Toda Friendship Circle in Voice of America Park
West Chester Township, Ohio, USA, dedicated Toda Friendship Circle, in honor of second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, around the Daisaku Ikeda Tree Grove in the Voice of America Park, West Chester. The dedication ceremony took place on May 21. Some 100 attended, including Township Mayor José Alvarez, SGI-USA representatives ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 7 2005
Mineral Area College, USA, Awards Mrs. Kaneko Ikeda an Honorary Professorship
Mineral Area College (MAC), Missouri, USA, appointed Mrs. Kaneko Ikeda an honorary professor in humanities, in recognition of her contributions to people's happiness through her unparalleled support of her husband, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. Founded in 1922, MAC is the fourth oldest community college in Missouri. In February 2004, MAC ... read more
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