All News
Buddhism | May 22 2005
SGI-Africa Celebrates May 3
SGI-Africa members, determined to contribute to their respective societies and make the 21st century "Century of Africa," celebrated May 3, Soka Gakkai Day throughout the African continent. SGI-Côte d'Ivoire members meet at Cultural Palace in Abidjan, May 8 SGI members in Uganda meet at a home in Kampala In Côte d'Ivoire, 4,000 gathered ... read more
Education | May 22 2005
Dewey Expert Dr. Larry A. Hickman Speaks on Dewey's Educational Philosophy
On May 21, 2005, Dr. Larry A. Hickman, director of the Center for Dewey Studies at Southern Illinois University in Illinois, USA, spoke on John Dewey's educational philosophy in a lecture, titled "Creating Value with Democracy and Education," at the Sankei Plaza in Otemachi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The Institute of ... read more
Buddhism | May 21 2005
100,000 Youth Participate in SGI-Korea's Youth Festival
A parade of flags of countries worldwide On May 15, SGI-Korea (KSGI) youth hosted a festival expressing pride in their home country, at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea. Some 100,000 KSGI youth division members and their friends gathered from throughout the country. Approximately 1,000 guests attended. Yonhap News Agency's ... read more
Buddhism | May 21 2005
SGI Members in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana Hold Spring Training Courses; SGI-France Members in Corsica Meet
SGI members in Guadeloupe SGI-France supports overseas departments in Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, where SGI members are contributing to peace and happiness of their respective societies, based on the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. In March, SGI members in these regions gathered for a spring training course, respectively. In French Guiana, ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 21 2005
"Drawings of the Okinawa War" Exhibition Opens in Okinawa
On May 20, "Drawings of the Okinawa War: Heartbreaking Remembrances of the Shimanchu ('Islander,' in Okinawan)" opened at a gallery located in Tenbusu Naha in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. The Soka Gakkai Okinawa Peace Committee, the Women's Peace and Culture Conference and the Student Division Peace Committee organized and created ... read more
Buddhism | May 19 2005
SGI-Poland Holds Study Session
On May 13-15, SGI-Poland held a study session in Poznan, a suburb of west Poland. Some 110 SGI-Poland members gathered from seven major cities in Poland, such as Poland's capital Warsaw and the ancient city of Krakow. SGI-Poland was officially registered in October 2004, as a social and cultural organization ... read more
Press Releases | May 18 2005
Fighting for Peace, Poems by Daisaku Ikeda, Finalist for Benjamin Franklin Award
Sonoma, California, U.S.A.: Fighting for Peace, a collection of poems by Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda (Dunhill Publishing), has been selected as one of three finalists for the Publishers Marketing Association's 2005 Benjamin Franklin Award in the poetry category. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in New York City ... read more
Interfaith | May 18 2005
SGI-Hong Kong Hosts Interfaith Seminar
On May 16, SGI-Hong Kong hosted an interfaith seminar, titled "Unity and Diversity: How I accommodate other religious traditions in my own beliefs," at the SGI-Hong Kong Culture Center in Hong Kong. Representatives of Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and Jewish organizations spoke about their organizations' ideals and engagement with society. SGI-Hong ... read more
Buddhism | May 16 2005
SGI-Uruguay Appoints New National Leaders
SGI-Uruguay introduced new national leaders at a leaders' meeting at their culture center in Montevideo on April 17. Newly appointed are: SGI-Uruguay General Director Hiroyuki Kaetsu; Women's Division Chief Pilar Ortíz; Young Men's Division Chief Ubaldo Rodríguez; and Young Women's Chief Silvia Gómez. Former General Director Tadashi Tanaka was appointed ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 16 2005
SGI-Mexico Representatives Participate in Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones Conference in Mexico
On April 26-28, a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZ) Conference was held in Mexico City, Mexico. Representatives from some 90 member nations of the world's four NWFZ--Latin America and the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Africa--participated. Sixteen non-governmental organization representatives also attended, including SGI-Mexico General Director Roberto Rios. Participants discussed ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 15 2005
Currents of the Spiritual Age, Collection of SGI President's Proposals a Bestseller in Singapore
According to Ming Pao, a leading Chinese daily, and Asiaweek, a leading Chinese weekly magazine, Currents of the Spiritual Age (tentative translation), a collection of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's peace proposals in the Chinese language, is a bestseller in Singapore. Ming Pao reported that the book placed second in the ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 15 2005
SGI-USA Members in Denver, Colorado, USA, Plant 1,000 Cherry Trees in 16 Years
In various scenic spots in Denver, Colorado, USA, cherry trees donated and planted by local SGI-USA members are currently in full bloom. The tradition of planting cherry trees along Cherry Creek and Denver's city parks began in 1989 to commemorate the opening of the SGI-USA Denver Culture Center. This was ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 15 2005
"Seeds of Change" Environmental Exhibit Opens at National University of Technology in Lima, Peru
From April 21 through May 6, "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential," an exhibit highlighting the Earth Charter as a "map" pointing the way toward sustainable living and environmental preservation, showed at the Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria (UNI) (National University of Technology), Lima, Peru. Guests included: UNI ... read more
Buddhism | May 14 2005
SGI-Greece Holds Commemorative Meeting
SGI-Greece recently held a general meeting commemorating May 3, Soka Gakkai Day, on May 7 at its Athens center. Members from 11 islands, including Crete, Paros, Tinos and Rhodes, as well as representatives from neighboring Cyprus, attended. SGI-Greece General Director Dimitri Dimopoulos introduced SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's message and reported ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 13 2005
SGI-Italy and SGI-Germany Host Environmental and Children's Art Exhibition, Respectively
On April 16-23, SGI-Italy hosted "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential," an exhibit highlighting the Earth Charter as a "map" pointing the way toward sustainable living and environmental preservation, at Elio Vittorini State High School in Grugliasco City, Turin Province, Italy. Elio Vittorini State High School Vice ... read more
Buddhism | May 10 2005
SGI-UK Holds Commemorative Event in London
On May 7, some 5,500 SGI-UK members gathered for a commemorative meeting at the Royal Albert Hall in London, one of the world's leading entertaining venues, with over 130 years of history. The event commemorated the 75th anniversary of Soka Gakkai, the 30th anniversary of SGI as well as the ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 10 2005
SGI-Canada Sponsors Youth Festivals
Local ballet troupe performs at Toronto festival SGI-Canada youth in Toronto express their passion through exuberant hip-hop dances and band performances In April and May, SGI-Canada is sponsoring local youth music events throughout the country. On May 1 in Toronto, some 1,700 gathered for a youth culture festival at the John Bassett ... read more
Culture | May 10 2005
SGI-Canada Sponsors Youth Festivals
Local ballet troupe performs at Toronto festival SGI-Canada youth in Toronto express their passion through exuberant hip-hop dances and band performances In April and May, SGI-Canada is sponsoring local youth music events throughout the country. On May 1 in Toronto, some 1,700 gathered for a youth culture festival at the John Bassett ... read more
Culture | May 9 2005
SGI-Thailand Members Help Celebrate Royal Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
On May 5, an event celebrating the Royal Coronation Day of his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was held in Bangkok, Thailand. SGI-Thailand dancers and chorus members participated in the festivities, sponsored by the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Bangkok City and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). The event ... read more
Education | Apr 27 2005
Boston Research Center for the 21st Century's Book on Education Introduced at American Education Research Association's Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada
On April 11-15, the American Education Research Association (AERA) held its annual meeting in Montreal, Canada. Titled "Demography and Democracy in the Era of Accountability," approximately 11,000 educators, researchers, counselors and behavioral scientists, from 53 countries, gathered for the meeting, to convey findings of significant education research. On April 13, a ... read more
Interfaith | Apr 26 2005
SGI and Soka Gakkai Presidents Congratulate Newly Elected Pope
On April 25, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya jointly sent a telegram to the Vatican congratulating Pope Benedict XVI for his election as the new sovereign of the Roman Catholic Church. On the same day, Soka Gakkai representatives visited the Apostolic Nunciature in Japan, the ... read more
Buddhism | Apr 25 2005
SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda Visits Gandhi Memorial Hall in New Delhi, India; Attends Representative Bharat Soka Gakkai Leaders' Meeting at Bodhi Tree Garden
On April 21, SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda, in India on behalf of his father, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, visited the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (Gandhi Memorial Hall) in New Delhi. Mr. Ikeda met with the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti Vice Chair Professor K.D. Gangrade, Director Dr. Savita ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Apr 24 2005
Kansai 21st Century Symphonic Orchestra Holds Relief Concert in Hyogo Prefecture; Soka Gloria Brass Band Hosts "Family Concert 2005" in Tokyo
On April 23, the Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphonic Orchestra held a relief concert at the Toyooka City Hall in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, which was ravaged by a strong typhoon in October 2004. The orchestra, led by Maestro Fujio Isogai, performed Johann Strauss II's Voices of Spring and ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Apr 21 2005
"Women and the Culture of Peace" Exhibition Opens in Okayama Prefecture
On March 20, the Soka Gakkai's "Women and the Culture of Peace" exhibition opened in an exhibition hall at CONVEX Okayama, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Women leaders of all sectors of society attended the opening. Mieko Mizuno, president of the Okayama Prefecture Women's Council, stated that each panel conveyed women's ... read more
Education | Apr 18 2005
SGI-Bolivia Hosts Educational Seminar
On April 10, SGI-Bolivia hosted an educational seminar on the pedagogy of first Soka Gakkai president and educator Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, at a school in Peroto, San Andrés City, Marban Province, Beni State, Bolivia. At the seminar, an SGI-Bolivia young women's representative introduced the SGI's peace activities and a young men's ... read more
Interfaith | Apr 17 2005
Rabbi Michael Lerner Receives Fifth Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize
Rabbi Michael Lerner, renowned writer and peace activist working for peace and reconciliation between Israel and Palestine, received the fifth Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize. Rabbi Lerner is co-founder of the Tikkun Community, an interfaith organization, editor of Tikkun Magazine and author of many books for social justice, peace ... read more
Buddhism | Apr 16 2005
SGI-Ghana Makes Great Strides
On April 10, SGI-Ghana held a national leaders' meeting at the SGI-Ghana cener in Accra, Ghana. Representatives from throughout Ghana and leaders from SGI-Côte d'Ivoire, SGI-Togo and SGI-Benin attended. In a message, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda congratulated the members for their gathering and stated that when one individual, challenges to ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Apr 16 2005
SGI-USA Sponsors Japanese-American Peace Friendship Festival in Southern California
On April 10, SGI-USA sponsored a Japanese-American "Gathering of Peace" at the SGI-USA World Culture Center in Santa Monica, California, USA. The Japanese language group planned and organized the show with an aim to promote respect for cultural diversity and strengthen bonds of amity between people. Many like-minded local cultural ... read more
Culture | Apr 16 2005
SGI-USA Sponsors Japanese-American Peace Friendship Festival in Southern California
On April 10, SGI-USA sponsored a Japanese-American "Gathering of Peace" at the SGI-USA World Culture Center in Santa Monica, California, USA. The Japanese language group planned and organized the show with an aim to promote respect for cultural diversity and strengthen bonds of amity between people. Many like-minded local cultural ... read more
Buddhism | Apr 15 2005
Soka Gakkai Publishes Liturgy in Braille
Soka Gakkai recently published a Braille edition of its Japanese liturgy book, encompassing segments of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" chapters of the Lotus Sutra. The book includes instructions for performing the current format of morning and evening prayers along with the silent prayers. The book will be available ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Apr 15 2005
Toda Institute to Sponsor International Conference in Madrid, Spain, in May 2005; New Book and Journal Published
On May 25-27, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research will sponsor an international conference in Madrid, Spain, in collaboration with the Iberian-American Foundation. Some 65 scholars from 29 countries will gather to discuss "Creating A Global Civilization of Dialogue and Peace (tentative translation)." Dr. Ricardo Diez-Hochleitner, honorary ... read more
Buddhism | Apr 14 2005
SGI Youth in Africa Socially-Engaged in Their Respective Communities
SGI-Zambia members of Lion King and Sun Chapters For the past six years, SGI-Zambia members have participated in the national Youth Day celebrations. On March 12, 2004, Zambians celebrated the event in Zambia's capital, Lusaka. SGI-Zambia youth, whose membership doubled in the past several years, participated in the parade, which was ... read more
Culture | Apr 13 2005
Soka Gakkai President Welcomes Delegates from Chinese Association for International Understanding
On April 12, Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya welcomed Li Chengren, executive vice chairman of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIU), and representative members, at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. CAIU aims to develop intercultural understanding, friendship and peace through exchanges with organizations and institutions ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Apr 11 2005
"Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" at the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland through April 15, 2005
"Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" exhibition opened at the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 4, during discussions on children's issues at the 2005 Commission on Human Rights. Representatives of the UN and NGOs, as well as ambassadors of various embassies, ... read more
Culture | Apr 7 2005
"Asia Peace and Arts Festival" Comes to Japan
The Min-On Concert Association's third "Asia Peace and Arts Festival" opened April 6 at the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Nakano Ward, Tokyo. Artists from China, Korea, Mongolia, Russia and Japan created a dynamic and vivid stage, expressing their respective histories, traditions and lifestyles through song, music and dance. Min-On ... read more
Buddhism | Apr 6 2005
Soka Gakkai Collaborates with Russian Institute on Publication of Xixia Version of the Lotus Sutra
Soka Gakkai, in collaboration with the St. Petersburg Branch of the Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (IOS-RAS), recently published the eighth work of the Lotus Sutra Manuscript Series (No. 6), Xixia Version of the Lotus Sutra from the Collection of the IOS-RAS St. Petersburg Branch. Dr. Tatsuo ... read more
Press Releases | Apr 4 2005
Soka Gakkai International Expresses Condolences on Passing of Pope John Paul II
Tokyo, Japan: Soka Gakkai International (SGI) has today issued the following statement regarding the death of Pope John Paul II: "The passing of Pope John Paul II is an occasion of great sadness for all who have admired and been inspired by his profound commitment to peace. In a world torn ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Apr 4 2005
Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Youth Host Lecture by Former President of Cheju National University
On April 3, Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Youth Division hosted its 112th lecture at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Peace Center in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The speaker was Dr. Cho Moon-Boo, former president of Cheju National University, South Korea, who continues to urge the strengthening of Korea-Japan relations. Referring to the ... read more
Sustainable Development | Apr 4 2005
Soka Gakkai Farmers in Hokkaido Hold Agricultural Renaissance Rally
On April 3, Soka Gakkai members engaged in farming in Hokkaido held a Hokkaido Agriculture Renaissance Rally at the Soka Gakkai Furano Culture Center in Furano City. In a message, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda urged each farmer to create happiness in his or her own life life, which will reflect ... read more
Interfaith | Apr 4 2005
SGI Issues Statement Regarding Death of Pope John Paul II
On April 4, SGI issued a statement regarding the death of Pope John Paul II. The statement describes his passing "an occasion of great sadness" and says that "in a world torn by violence and mistrust, his courageous endeavors to promote dialogue, tirelessly reaching out to people of different faith ... read more
Culture | Apr 4 2005
All-China Youth Federation Delegates Meet with Soka Gakkai Youth from Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa
On April 3, a delegation from the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), led by Zhang Xuejun, vice chair of the Children's Work Committee, traveled to Hiroshima City, which is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing (August 6, 1945). The ACYF delegates and Japanese Soka Gakkai youth representatives placed flowers ... read more
Buddhism | Apr 3 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Holds Study Examination; SGI-Philippines Studies Nichiren's "Orally Transmitted Teachings"
On March 27, Soka Gakkai Malaysia held a study examination at centers throughout the country. Every year, the number of examinees has increased steadily. This year, some 1,300 members challenged the exam, which covered the following of Nichiren's writings studied during the past year: "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for ... read more
Sustainable Development | Apr 3 2005
Soka Gakkai Farmers in Miyazaki Hold Renaissance Rally
Miyazaki Soka Gakkai members engaged in agriculture held a renaissance rally titled "The Blessings of the Land--Brilliance of Life," on April 2 at the Miyazaki Civic Hall. Some 1,800 farmers attended. Sharing their farming testimonials were: Takashi and Kozue Kuroki, cucumber growers of Ayacho; Machiko Fukuoka of Kawanamicho, challenging to ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Apr 1 2005
Soka Women Throughout the World Take Action for Peace in Society
Brazil: On March 13, the Rio di Janeiro "Young Mrs." Group met at the SGI-Brazil Culture Center in São Paulo. Rosa Maria Marquez, group in charge, shared her resolve. A women's division leader encouraged the participants to unite with the spirit of "many in body, one in mind" and together ... read more
Culture | Apr 1 2005
Chinese Youth Delegates Receive Warm Welcome at Soka Gakkai Headquarters
On March 31, Chinese youth delegation members of the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), in Japan at the invitation of the Soka Gakkai Youth Division, received a warm welcome from President Einosuke Akiya and youth representatives at the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The ACYF representatives, led by ... read more
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