All News
Buddhism | Mar 31 2005
SGI-Thailand Commemorates SGI's 30th Anniversary with Youth Music Festival
On March 26 and 27, SGI-Thailand celebrated the SGI's 30th anniversary with a Youth Peace and Culture Festival at a stadium on the Thammasat University campus in a Bangkok suburb. Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administrative Office Ms. Ying Nathanon Thavisin and other guests from various sectors of Thai ... read more
Culture | Mar 31 2005
SGI-Thailand Commemorates SGI's 30th Anniversary with Youth Music Festival
On March 26 and 27, SGI-Thailand celebrated the SGI's 30th anniversary with a Youth Peace and Culture Festival at a stadium on the Thammasat University campus in a Bangkok suburb. Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administrative Office Ms. Ying Nathanon Thavisin and other guests from various sectors of Thai ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 30 2005
Dr. Karel Dobbelaere, Former International Society for the Sociology of Religions President, Speaks on "Soka Gakkai in a Globalized World"
On March 29, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) hosted a special lecture by Dr. Karel Dobbelaere, former president of the International Society for the Sociology of Religions, at the Nihon Seine Kaikan in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. In a lecture titled "Soka Gakkai in a Globalized World," Dr. Dobbelaere spoke ... read more
Culture | Mar 30 2005
Korean Musical Gambler Launches Japan Tour
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of normalization of Korean-Japan relations in 2005, the Min-On Concert Association invited the Seensee Musical Company, South Korea's largest musical production company, to bring its hit musical Gambler--The Golden Key to Japan for a two month engagement. During May and June, the company will perform in ... read more
Culture | Mar 29 2005
All-China Youth Federation Delegates Arrive in Japan
On March 28, a Chinese youth delegation, comprising members of the All-China Youth Federation, arrived in Japan at the invitation of the Soka Gakkai Youth Division. The group visited the Kansai Culture Center in Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, and received a warm welcome from local leaders and youth. The Kansai Boys ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 28 2005
SGI-Taiwan to Commence Construction of New Headquarters Building in Summer 2005
SGI-Taiwan recently announced plans for a new headquarters building, to be built behind the current Taiwan Soka Association building on Zhi Shan Rd. in Shihlin District, Taipei, targeted for completion in 2007. Construction will commence in July 2005. The new center will have six stories above ground and three basement ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 28 2005
SGI-Europe Youth in Spain, France, Hungary, Slovenia and Russia Reaffirm Commitment to Peace
SGI members, developing their lives and with the life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, are advancing in harmonious solidarity in the Russian Federation and the former East European countries. Hungary: SGI-Hungary members met on March 5 and 6 in Budapest for a chapter meeting. Under a theme of "When I Change, the ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 27 2005
Singapore Soka Association Hosts Lecture by Toda Institute Director
On March 20, Singapore Soka Association (SSA) sponsored its fifth Daisaku Ikeda Annual Lecture, chaired this year by Professor Amitav Archaya, deputy director of the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies. Among the 950 attendees were 70 guests, including His Excellencies Ambassador Jørgen Ørstrøm Møller and Ambassador Chalermphol Thanchitt, of ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 27 2005
SGI in Mexico, Bolivia and the Netherlands Sponsor Public Lectures on Timely Issues
Participants Bolivia: On March 14, celebrating March 16, a commemorative SGI day, SGI-Bolivia sponsored a lecture by Nur University Professor Juan Martinez, a former education minister, at the SGI-Bolivia Culture Center in Santa Cruz City. Begun in July 2003 at Professor Martinez's suggestion, he has continued to speak on the history ... read more
Culture | Mar 27 2005
Chinese Journalist Writes About Daisaku Ikeda's Contributions to Sino-Japan Friendship
Li Dean, a journalist formerly with Xinhua News, China's largest news agency, contributed an essay, "The Foresight of Daisaku Ikeda's Speech," for a book titled Forty Years As A Foreign Journalist in Japan. The Association for the Promotion of Journalistic Pursuits in China and Japan (working translation) published the book ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 25 2005
SGI Members Celebrate Lunar (Chinese) New Year in Northern California, USA and Singapore
Commemorative photo with Chinese Opera artists San Francisco (SF) Supervisor Fiona Ma (left) presents award to SGI-USA Vice General Director George Odano (center), while SF Police Department Chief Heather Fong (right) looks on California Assemblyman Yee (right) presents award to SGI-USA Vice General Director Richard Yoshimachi (left) California State Assembly Speaker pro Tempore ... read more
Culture | Mar 25 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia and SGI-Thailand Contribute to Local Community through Art and Music
Malaysia: Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) organized and hosted the "Guo Xiyan and His Art of Calligraphy & Painting Exhibition," from February 27 to March 6. The exhibit featured over 100 artworks by Guo Xiyuan, an award-winning Chinese artist who serves as vice director of Shenzen University's College of Arts. Some ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 22 2005
"Boys and Girls Art of Hope Exhibit" Opens at Josei Toda International Center in Tokyo
The "Boys and Girls Art of Hope Exhibit" opened March 20 at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The exhibit, showing through April 3, presents 70 drawings and paintings selected from among 35,000 submitted from throughout Japan and several other countries. Opening ceremonies included a performance by ... read more
Culture | Mar 22 2005
"Boys and Girls Art of Hope Exhibit" Opens at Josei Toda International Center in Tokyo
The "Boys and Girls Art of Hope Exhibit" opened March 20 at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The exhibit, showing through April 3, presents 70 drawings and paintings selected from among 35,000 submitted from throughout Japan and several other countries. Opening ceremonies included a performance by ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 21 2005
Agriculture and Fishery Departments of Hokkaido, Aomori and Hiroshima Hold Renaissance Rallies
Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fishery Departments of Hokkaido, Aomori and Hiroshima recently held "Renaissance Experience Rallies" in their respective areas. On March 19, Soka Gakkai farmers of Aomori met in Ajikasawa Town. Yoshimitsu Kimura shared his passion and dedication to cultivating the "ultimate" apple. Fishermen in Hokkaido held their rally ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 21 2005
Saitama Youth Division Sponsors Lecture on the Japanese Constitution and Its Place in the Contemporary Age
On March 19, the Saitama youth sponsored a lecture by Dokkyo University Professor Shoichi Koseki at the Saitama Culture Center. Speaking on "The Japanese Constitution's Significance in the Contemporary Age--Six Decades Following the War," Professor Koseki introduced the historical backdrop against which Japan's constitution was established. He appealed to the ... read more
Sustainable Development | Mar 21 2005
Agriculture and Fishery Departments of Hokkaido, Aomori and Hiroshima Hold Renaissance Rallies
Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fishery Departments of Hokkaido, Aomori and Hiroshima recently held "Renaissance Experience Rallies" in their respective areas. On March 19, Soka Gakkai farmers of Aomori met in Ajikasawa Town. Yoshimitsu Kimura shared his passion and dedication to cultivating the "ultimate" apple. Fishermen in Hokkaido held their rally ... read more
Sustainable Development | Mar 21 2005
Saitama Youth Division Sponsors Lecture on the Japanese Constitution and Its Place in the Contemporary Age
On March 19, the Saitama youth sponsored a lecture by Dokkyo University Professor Shoichi Koseki at the Saitama Culture Center. Speaking on "The Japanese Constitution's Significance in the Contemporary Age--Six Decades Following the War," Professor Koseki introduced the historical backdrop against which Japan's constitution was established. He appealed to the ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 19 2005
"March 16" Celebrated in Brazil, USA and Japan
Brazil: Some 1,500 SGI-Brazil representatives attended a "victory rally" on March 13 at the SGI-Brazil Nature and Culture Center in a São Paulo suburb. In a message, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda praised the SGI-Brazil members for their daily efforts "to create a great history of ordinary people" and asked them ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 17 2005
Soka Gakkai Aichi Women's Peace Conference Sponsors Peace Forum
On March 16, the Soka Gakkai Aichi Women's Peace Conference sponsored a forum at the Kasugai Culture Center, Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture. Titled "A Heart of Peace Reverberates throughout the World," the forum highlighted stories of women creating cultures of peace in their respective arenas as housewives, peace activists and community ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 15 2005
"Building a Culture of Peace" Exhibition Opens at World Bank in Washington, D.C., USA
Anwarul K. Chowdhury, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, gave a congratulatory address at the March 7 opening. Vice President of Human Development Jean-Louis Sarbib said the World Bank aims to build a peaceful and equitable world for ... read more
Sustainable Development | Mar 15 2005
Soka Gakkai Members Engaged in Fishing and Farming Meet in Hokkaido, Miyagi, and Akita
On March 13, Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fisheries Department members met in Hokkaido, Miyagi and Akita, respectively. In Hokkaido, young farmers and fishermen held an experience rally in Shinshinotsu Village in Ishikari Province. Hideyuki Mori of Yubari City, Miwa Nakamura of Shinshinotsu Village and Yuichi Takahashi of Hayakita Village shared ... read more
Education | Mar 15 2005
Soka Gakkai Opens Educational Counseling Center in Ehime Prefecture
On March 13, the Soka Gakkai Education Department opened a new Soka Gakkai Educational Counseling Center (SGECC) at the Matsuyama Culture Center in Ehime Prefecture. Following words by Ehime Soka Gakkai leader Hiroshi Katayama and Ehime Education Department Chief Toshio Fujii, SGECC Director Mitsuka Osa reported on the department's recent ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 10 2005
IOP Hosts Public Lecture by Professor Emeritus Tatsuo Morimoto of Meijo University
On January 14, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) hosted the third lecture in a series titled, "Indian Spiritualism and Today's World (tentative translation)," at the Kyoto International Community House, Kyoto City. Professor emeritus Tatsuo Morimoto of Meijo University in Aichi Prefecture, spoke on "Gandhi's Message to an Age of ... read more
Culture | Mar 10 2005
SGI-Taiwan Hosts "Asian Youth Friendship Musical Festival" in Sanchung City, Taiwan
On March 5, SGI-Taiwan hosted the "Asian Youth Friendship Musical Festival" in Sanchung City, Taipei Province, Taiwan, in collaboration with Sanchung City, Soka University and National Taiwan College of Arts. Some 2,000 Japanese and Taiwanese youth, their families and local residents attended. SGI-Taiwan's fife-and-drum corps, string orchestra and chorus group ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 9 2005
Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai Hosts Family Festivals at Soka Bodhi Tree Garden
On February 6, 20 and 27, Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai (BSG) held family festivals at the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden located in a suburb of New Delhi. Some 6,000 members of BSG New Delhi and their families gathered at the garden to enjoy an outdoor scenic picnic, and to strengthen ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 8 2005
SGI-Slovenia Officially Registered
Jasmina Una Tumpej SGI-Slovenia General Director Miha Cebulj SGI-Slovenia Vice General Director SGI-Slovenia, of the former Yugoslavia, was recently officially registered as a cultural organization in Slovenia. Chapter Chief Jasmina Una Tumpej was appointed SGI-Slovenia's first general director, and Miha Cebulj was appointed vice general director. Since the establishment of SGI-Slovenia Chapter ... read more
Education | Mar 8 2005
Bolivian Cities Recognize SGI-Bolivia Youth's Social Activism
On February 26, SGI-Bolivia and Montero City Culture Department cohosted a youth seminar at the SGI-Bolivia Culture Center in Montero. Some 80 young people, including local senior and junior high school students, participated in the event, where they studied Discussions on Youth, a book by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda providing ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 7 2005
SGI-Peru Publishes Spanish Edition of The New Human Revolution, Volume 10 and 11, and The World of Nichiren Daishonin's Writings, Volume 1
SGI-Peru recently published La Nueva Revolucion Humana, Vols. 10 and 11, a Spanish translation of The New Human Revolution, Vols. 10 and 11, Daisaku Ikeda's novelized account of Soka Gakkai's history, and El Mundo de los Escritos de Nichiren Daishonin, 1 (The World of Nichiren Daishonin's Writings--A Discussion on Humanistic ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 6 2005
Soka Gakkai Farmers in Fukushima Hold Experience Rally
On March 5, members of the Soka Gakkai Agriculture Division in Fukushima Prefecture held an "Agricultural Renaissance Rally" at the Agriculture and Environment Improvement Center in Otama Village, Fukushima Prefecture. Local farmer Masahiro Takeda told how he contributed to agriculture in his local community with an awareness that losing sight ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 6 2005
250 SGI Members from 160 Countries Exchange with Japanese Members in Tokyo
On the evening of March 5, 250 SGI members from 160 countries and regions visited 12 centers in west Tokyo and met with local Japanese members. Representatives of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Madagascar, Benin and the Republic of Congo received a warm welcome from local members at the ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 6 2005
SGI-New Zealand Celebrate Chinese New Year with Local Residents
On February 13, SGI-New Zealand members celebrated Lunar (Chinese) New Year at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center. Some 700 local residents attended, together with Fiona Yuen, Justice of the Peace in Auckland and president of the New Zealand Guangdong Association Inc. SGI-New Zealand General Director Jimi Wallace introduced the SGI's ... read more
Culture | Mar 6 2005
"Victor Hugo and the Romanticists" Exhibition Opens in Osaka
Following shows in Tokyo and Hokkaido, the "Victor Hugo and the Romanticists" exhibition opened at the Suntory Museum "Temposan," Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, on March 5. The exhibition features 400 items, including six national treasures of France, belonging to 25 world renowned museums. Highlighted are Hugo's indomitable struggles championing social ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 5 2005
SGI Representatives from 60 Countries Study Nichiren's Writings and Participate in Q&A with Soka Gakkai President
On March 4, the third day of the 2005 SGI Spring Training Session, the 250 participants from 60 countries attended a lecture by SGI Study Department Chief Katsuji Saito on "Reply to Kyo'o" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 412-413) at the Soka Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 4 2005
Soka Gakkai Holds Monthly Leaders' Meeting for March
On March 3, Soka Gakkai held its monthly leaders' meeting, in conjunction with general meetings for Hokkaido and Chubu, at Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji, Tokyo. Some 250 SGI members from 60 countries and regions joined Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya and other national leaders. Representatives from Hokkaido and ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 3 2005
SGI 2005 Spring Training Session Commences in Tokyo
Some 250 SGI members from 60 countries and regions arrived in Tokyo earlier this week for a one-week training course. The opening session took place March 2 at the Soka International Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. Representatives from the Republic of Congo, Singapore and Portugal shared reports of ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 2 2005
Six Thousand Converge on SGI-Brazil Nature and Culture Center to Celebrate SGI-Brazil Women's Day
Denise Silva, a group leader in her local organization, shared her personal saga of a miserable childhood with a father and a stepmother she couldn't get along with. She left home at 17, with no direction. Soon she met her future husband, a young men's division member in SGI-Brazil, who ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 1 2005
SGI-Germany Grows from Six to 14 Headquarters in Ten Years
On February 26 and 27, SGI-Germany chapter level leaders and up met at the Frankfurt SGI-Germany Culture Center to launch a fresh beginning. Representatives shared their experiences of practicing Nichiren Buddhism. SGI-Germany Chief Hideaki Takahashi announced that their organization has grown to 14 headquarters from the six established ten years ... read more
Culture | Feb 25 2005
SGI-Thailand's Melodies for Peace Chorus Performs on Thailand's National Television Program
On February 24, SGI-Thailand's Melodies for Peace chorus, consisting of women and young women, performed on a long-running, popular music show broadcast on a national TV station, Channel 11. Melodies for Peace presented a song that Thailand's renowned musicians composed for victims of the recent great Sumatra earthquake and tsunami. ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 24 2005
SGI-Mexico's Young Men's Brass Band and Young Women's Fife-and-Drum Corps Introduced on Local Radio Program
On February 10, SGI-Mexico representatives, headed by Youth Division Chief Daisuke Inoue, appeared on "Universo Digital," a radio program linked to the Internet, to talk about the activities of SGI-Mexico's young men's brass band and young women's fife-and-drum corps. During the show, the youth talked about the bands' purpose and ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 22 2005
SGI-USA Hosts Youth Nonviolence Conference to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On January 17, a national holiday to celebrate and honor the life and achievements of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), SGI-USA Northeastern Zone hosted the second annual nonviolence conference for youth at the SGI-USA New York Culture Center. The Temple of Understanding, a nongovernmental organization for ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 22 2005
Morehouse College Sponsors "Gandhi, King, Ikeda" Exhibition at Yale University, USA
On January 29-February 9, the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted "Gandhi, King, Ikeda--Peace Through Nonviolence" exhibition at Yale Afro-American Cultural Center in Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Yale Coalition for Diversity collaborated on the event introducing the human rights and peace ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 22 2005
Writer Ishmael Reed and Jazz Pianist Mary Watkins Collaborate on "Poetry for Peace" in San Francisco: Selections of SGI President's Poetry "Fighting for Peace" Introduced
On January 23, a poetry reading titled "Poetry for Peace," featuring renowned African American writer Ishmael Reed, took place at Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco, California. Dunhill Publishing, the African American Center of the San Francisco Public Library and Friends of the San Francisco Public Library sponsored ... read more
Sustainable Development | Feb 19 2005
2004 Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai and SGI President Meet in Tokyo
On February 18, 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate and Kenyan Vice Environment Minister Wangari Maathai met with SGI President Daisaku Ikeda at the Seikyo Press building in Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Dr. Wangari, accompanied by her daughter, Wanjira Maathai, and Kenyan Ambassador to Japan Dennis N.O. Awori, were warmly welcomed by ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 18 2005
"Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" Exhibition Shows in Edmonton, Canada
From January 31 through February 8, "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World," an exhibition appealing for a culture of peace centered on nonviolence and tolerance, was on display at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton, Alberta State, Canada. The exhibition, shown for the first time in Canada, ... read more
SGI Facebook Page