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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
Buddhism | Feb 17 2005
SGI Members Observe Anniversary of Nichiren's Birthday
On February 16, SGI members in 190 countries and regions held world peace prayer services in observance of Nichiren's birthday (February 16, 1222) at respective SGI centers. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda attended a service at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji City, Tokyo, while Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 15 2005
Soka Gakkai Education Department Hosts Lecture by Future President of the Newly Established Tokyo Metropolitan University
On February 13, the Soka Gakkai Education Department hosted a public lecture at the Sendai International Center in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. This was the first installment of the Education Department's new lecture series commemorating the 75th anniversary of Soka kyoikugaku taikei (The System of Value-Creating Pedagogy), conceived by educator ... read more
Education | Feb 15 2005
Soka Gakkai Education Department Hosts Lecture by Future President of the Newly Established Tokyo Metropolitan University
On February 13, the Soka Gakkai Education Department hosted a public lecture at the Sendai International Center in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. This was the first installment of the Education Department's new lecture series commemorating the 75th anniversary of Soka kyoikugaku taikei (The System of Value-Creating Pedagogy), conceived by educator ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 13 2005
SGI members in Central African Republic Meet
On January 30, SGI members in the Central African Republic met in Bangui, the country's capital, to commemorate January 26, SGI Day. Located in the heart of Africa, the country's northern part is a treeless savanna, while the southern part contains dense tropical rainforests. The Central African Republic produces cotton, ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 13 2005
"Boys and Girls Art of Hope Exhibit" to Open in Tokyo
"Cassiopeia Chugs Along" Masayuki Kozai "My Third Grade Class" Miyuki Nakanowatari 3rd Grade, Hokkaido The "Boys and Girls Art of Hope Exhibit" will open on March 20 at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The two week exhibit will present 70 drawings and paintings selected from among 35,000 submitted ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 12 2005
Toda Institute Hosts Conference on "Universities of the Future" in Hawaii
On February 4-6, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, a Soka Gakkai-affiliated peace organization, hosted an international conference on "Universities of the Future: Globalization and Higher Education--Who Governs? For Whom?" in Honolulu, Hawaii, in cooperation with the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies (HRCFS) at the University ... read more
Education | Feb 12 2005
Toda Institute Hosts Conference on "Universities of the Future" in Hawaii
On February 4-6, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, a Soka Gakkai-affiliated peace organization, hosted an international conference on "Universities of the Future: Globalization and Higher Education--Who Governs? For Whom?" in Honolulu, Hawaii, in cooperation with the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies (HRCFS) at the University ... read more
Culture | Feb 12 2005
Toda Institute Hosts Conference on "Universities of the Future" in Hawaii
On February 4-6, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, a Soka Gakkai-affiliated peace organization, hosted an international conference on "Universities of the Future: Globalization and Higher Education--Who Governs? For Whom?" in Honolulu, Hawaii, in cooperation with the Hawaii Research Center for Futures Studies (HRCFS) at the University ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 8 2005
Local Band El Cuarteto Helps SGI-Venezuela Celebrate SGI's 30th Anniversary
On January 28, SGI-Venezuela celebrated SGI's 30th anniversary with a special concert by El Cuarteto, a locally renowned traditional Venezuelan band at Aula Magna Hall on the Central University campus, Caracas. Over 1,200 people gathered for the concert, including government officials, academics and UN regional officers. Dr. Hector Navarro, professor ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 8 2005
SGI-USA Hawaii Sponsors "Aloha Peace Forum"
On January 23, SGI-USA Hawaii hosted the "Aloha Peace Forum--'Building Friendships for a Culture of Peace'," a free public event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the United Nations and SGI's 30th anniversary, at the SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. American actor Patrick Duffy and 51st (2003) Cherry ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 8 2005
Boston Research Center for the 21st Century and Wellesley College Cohost Fourth Lecture in the "Women of Courage" Series
The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century (BRC) cosponsored with Wellesley Centers for Women, Wellesley College, the fourth lecture of the "Women of Courage Lecture Series," on January 27, at Jewett Auditorium, Wellesley College, Massachusetts, USA. Launched in 2002, the annual lecture series aims to honor great women in ... read more
Culture | Feb 8 2005
Local Band El Cuarteto Helps SGI-Venezuela Celebrate SGI's 30th Anniversary
On January 28, SGI-Venezuela celebrated SGI's 30th anniversary with a special concert by El Cuarteto, a locally renowned traditional Venezuelan band at Aula Magna Hall on the Central University campus, Caracas. Over 1,200 people gathered for the concert, including government officials, academics and UN regional officers. Dr. Hector Navarro, professor ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Feb 7 2005
Soka Gakkai Youth Volunteer as "Snow Busters" in Niigata Prefecture
During the first week of February, the Chuetsu area in Niigata Prefecture recorded the severest snowfall in 19 years. Residents are being warned to exercise extreme caution when clearing snow from atop and around their homes, many of which were weakened in the recent Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake (October 23, 2004). ... read more
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