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Sustainable Development | Feb 6 2005

Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, Recognizes SGI-Brazil Members' Contributions to Improving the Natural Environment

On January 29, two trees honoring the first two Soka Gakkai presidents were planted in Passeio do Mindú Park, Manaus City, Amazonas State, Brazil, to commemorate SGI's 30th anniversary (January 26, 2005). As part of the Brazilian city's ecology project, Manaus Mayor Serafim Fernandes Corrêa has been promoting a campaign ... read more

Culture | Feb 5 2005

Institute of Oriental Philosophy Hosts Second Lecture in "Indian Spiritualism and Today's World" Series

On February 4, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) invited Aomori Public College Professor Tatsuo Haya to speak at the second lecture of the series titled, "Indian Spiritualism and Today's World (tentative translation)," at the Nihon Seinenkan in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Speaking on "Life and Thoughts of Gautama Buddha," Professor ... read more

Buddhism | Feb 3 2005

SGI Members Around the World Celebrate SGI Day

In January, SGI members around the world celebrated SGI's 30th anniversary in their respective locales. SGI-Australia members met on January 26 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. SGI-New Zealand members gathered at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland, as well as in Wellington and Christchurch. SGI-Europe Chair Shoichi Hasegawa ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Feb 3 2005

Palau Hosts SGI's "Building a Culture of Peace" Exhibition

Carabobo University Rector Aguilar (foreground, right) presents certificate and medal to SGI-Venezuela General Director Remén E. Regalado Carabobo University, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, conferred its highest honor, the "Alejo Zuloaga Award," on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda for his contributions to peace and nonviolence through cultural exchanges and dialogues. Carabobo University, located ... read more

Human Rights | Feb 3 2005

Human Rights Advocate Speaks at Youth Division Lecture Series

Shin Sugok, human resources consultant and advocate for minority and women's rights in Japan, lectured on "Soka Gakkai as a Solidarity of Outspoken People" at a Soka Gakkai Youth Division-sponsored lecture series on February 2. Referring to the worldwide index of press freedom conducted by Reporters Without Borders, Ms. Shin ... read more

Human Rights | Feb 1 2005

California High School Hosts Human Rights Exhibition; Coalition of California Black School Board Members and New Haven Unified School District Commend SGI President

James Logan High School, Union City, California, USA, hosted "Gandhi, King, Ikeda (GKI): A Legacy of Building Peace" from January 14-16, as a part of commemorative events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday of January). New Haven Unified School District, California, requested the school to host the ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 31 2005

Dialogue Series between Harvard Social Anthropology Professor and SGI President Begins in March Issue of Ushio

A new dialogue series between Professor Nur Yalman of the Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, specializing in social anthropology and Middle Eastern studies, and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda will be published in Ushio, a monthly Japanese literary magazine, beginning with the March 2005 issue. Titled "Kyo no sekai asu no ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 30 2005

SGI-USA Celebrates SGI's 30th Anniversary with an Aloha Gala in Hawaii

SGI-USA celebrated SGI's 30th anniversary with a national general meeting and culture festival at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, on January 22. Some 5,000, including guests from the fields of education, human rights, performing arts, literary circles and the United Nations. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 29 2005

SGI-Brazil Nova Era Fife-and-Drum Corps Members and SGI-USA Youth in Southern California Meet, Respectively

On January 15, SGI-Brazil (BSGI) young women's Nova Era (New Age) Fife-and-Drum Corps held a new year meeting at the BSGI Nature and Culture Center, located in the São Paulo environs. Some 650 representatives from São Paulo Metropolitan areas gathered. The corps, founded in August 1963 with only six members, ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 29 2005

SGI-Denmark Holds General Meeting; New Young Women's Division Chief Appointed

On January 16, some 400 SGI-Denmark members met for a general meeting in Copenhagen. Soniya Inoue was appointed the new Young Women's Division (YWD) Chief. A women's division representative shared her experience of overcoming sickness through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Young Men's Division Chief Kooichi Lennert Sakihama and newly-appointed ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 29 2005

SGI-Uganda Members Meet

On January 9, SGI members in Uganda, east-central Africa, held a discussion meeting in Kampala, Uganda's capital. Led by SGI-Uganda leader Amita Shyam, participants studied SGI's peace philosophy and shared their experiences of applying the life-affirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism in their daily lives. ... read more

Culture | Jan 28 2005

Hamburg Ballet Begins Japan Tour at Min-On's Invitation

On January 27, the Hamburg Ballet, led by world-renowned choreographer John Neumeier, performed at Kanagawa Kenmin Hall in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, at the invitation of the Min-On Concert Association (Min-On). Mr. Neumeier, who has been director and chief choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet since 1973, has produced over 100 ... read more

Press Releases | Jan 26 2005

Education for Human Rights, Disarmament, Sustainability Are Key--SGI President Issues Annual Peace Proposal

Tokyo, Japan: In his annual peace proposal issued today, Daisaku Ikeda, president of the global Buddhist association Soka Gakkai International (SGI), urges renewed efforts to promote education for human rights, disarmament and sustainable development. In Ikeda's view, education that focuses on such global issues as peace and elimination of poverty ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 22 2005

SGI Members Celebrate New Year's Day and SGI's 30th Anniversary

In Panama, some 1,700 SGI members met on January 1 at seven locations throughout the country, celebrating the New Year and the SGI's 30th anniversary. Some 1,000 members gathered at the SGI-Panama Culture Center in Panama. SGI-Panama General Director Gabriel Martínez encouraged everyone to further advance in unity. On January 1, ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 20 2005

SGI-USA Celebrates SGI's 30th Anniversary in Guam

Beginning January 13, SGI-USA has been hosting commemorative events on Guam, USA, to celebrate the SGI's 30th anniversary, in cooperation with the Guam Government and universities and other peace organizations in the Pacific Islands. Guam is the site of the first World Peace Conference on January 26, 1975, where the ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 18 2005

Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Services for Victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake

On January 17, the 10th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Soka Gakkai held memorial services at the Kansai Culture Center in Osaka City and nine other centers throughout Hyogo Prefecture. In a solemn ceremony, friends and relatives prayed for the repose of those who died in the quake. SGI ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jan 18 2005

SGI's "World Boys and Girls Art Exhibition" Opens in Slovenia

On January 5, SGI's "World Boys and Girls Art Exhibition" opened at Cankarjev Dom, the largest congress and cultural center in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The exhibition, which was held for the first time in Slovenia, displays some 147 paintings and drawings submitted by children from 100 countries and regions. Some 100 ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Jan 18 2005

Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Services for Victims of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake

On January 17, the 10th anniversary of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Soka Gakkai held memorial services at the Kansai Culture Center in Osaka City and nine other centers throughout Hyogo Prefecture. In a solemn ceremony, friends and relatives prayed for the repose of those who died in the quake. SGI ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 17 2005

Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Concerts in Osaka and Hyogo in Remembrance of 1995 Earthquake

On January 16, the Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphony Orchestra held a memorial concert at Symphony Hall in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The concert commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Hanshin Earthquake that hit the Osaka and Hyogo areas on January 17, 1995. The original orchestra coincidentally debuted on ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 17 2005

Soka Renaissance Vanguard Wins Prime Minister's Cup for Eighth Time

Soka Renaissance Vanguard wins Prime Minister's Cup On January 16, the Soka Renaissance Vanguard drum-and-bugle corps won the Prime Minister's Cup (top honors) for the second consecutive year and for the eighth time, at the 32nd national All-Japan Marching Band and Baton Twirling Contest at the Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda Ward, ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Jan 17 2005

Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Concerts in Osaka and Hyogo in Remembrance of 1995 Earthquake

On January 16, the Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphony Orchestra held a memorial concert at Symphony Hall in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The concert commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Hanshin Earthquake that hit the Osaka and Hyogo areas on January 17, 1995. The original orchestra coincidentally debuted on ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 16 2005

Soka Gakkai Fife-and-Drum Corps Wins Gold

On January 15, the Soka Gakkai Fife-and-Drum Corps' Color Guard Team won the gold award in the 32nd All-Japan Marching Band and Baton Twirling Contest, held in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The Color Guard Team participated in the contest for the first time. ... read more

Culture | Jan 16 2005

"Victor Hugo and the Romanticists" Exhibition to Open in Hokkaido

"Victor Hugo and the Romanticists" exhibition, currently showing at the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Hachioji, Tokyo, will move to the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in Sapporo City, Hokkaido. The exhibition features 500 items belonging to the Victor Hugo House of Literature, as well as six national treasures of France, ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Jan 15 2005

SGI Organizations Continue Relief Efforts in Response to Tsunami Disaster

In response to the catastrophic tsunami that devastated large parts of the Asian region on December 26, 2004, SGI organizations in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, continue relief efforts, working with local governments and other welfare organizations. Bharat Soka Gakkai (SGI-India) made an initial donation of 500,000 rupees ... read more

Culture | Jan 15 2005

IOP Hosts Public Lecture by Former Indian Ambassador to Japan Aftab Seth

On January 14, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) hosted the first lecture in a series titled, "Indian Spiritualism and Today's World (tentative translation)," at the Nihon Seinenkan in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Dr. Aftab Seth, Keio University Professor and former Indian Ambassador to Japan, spoke. Introducing the words of Rabindranath ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 14 2005

Soka Gakkai Women Hold Grassroots Meetings Nationwide

Soka Gakkai women are meeting in small groups throughout Japan during January for their annual general meetings. Commemorating Soka Gakkai's 75th anniversary, the meetings will stress nurturing friendships in the community, social activism, and raising awareness of women's roles in creating a society that empowers individuals, enabling people to lead ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 14 2005

SGI-Bolivia Holds General Meeting

Some 1,700 SGI-Bolivia members gathered on December 12 in Santa Cruz, for a general meeting. Starting from two districts in 1962, SGI-Bolivia has grown into an organization of four headquarters, 14 chapters and 44 districts, based on developing trust and friendship through dialogue in the local communities. SGI-Bolivia General Director ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 14 2005

SGI-Argentina Women's Division's "Young Mrs." Group Members Meet

On December 19, 2004, the SGI-Argentina "Young Mrs." group members met at the SGI-Argentina Peace Auditorium in Buenos Aires. SGI-Argentina Women's Division Chief Matilde Garrido encouraged women to lead value-filled, happy lives based on the life-affirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. Participants resolved to dedicate themselves to the happiness of their ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 13 2005

SGI-Europe Holds Third SGI-European Summit in Trets, France

SGI representatives from 27 European countries attended the third SGI-European Summit from January 6 through 9, 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. In a message he sent for the ... read more

Education | Jan 11 2005

Boston Research Center Publishes New Book on Education

Columbia University's Teachers College Press recently released Educating Citizens for Global Awareness, a new book of the SGI-affiliated Boston Research Center for the 21st Century (BRC). Dr. Nel Noddings, professor emerita of child education from Stanford University, was the book's chief editor. Educating students about their roles as "global citizens" is ... read more

Education | Jan 11 2005

Center for Dewey Studies Director Dr. Larry A. Hickman Lectures on "John Dewey and Soka Education" in Los Angeles, USA

On December 13, 2004, Dr. Larry A. Hickman, director of the Center for Dewey Studies at Southern Illinois University, USA, lectured on "John Dewey and Soka Education" at the SGI-USA Friendship Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Hickman referred to the commonalities between Dewey and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founder of Soka ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 10 2005

17th Anniversary of the SGI-Chile Culture Center Commemorated

On December 5, some 250 SGI-Chile members commemorated the 17th anniversary of the SGI-Chile Culture Center in Santiago, the nation's capital. The center has served as a hub for SGI-Chile's activities since it opened in 1978. In 1993, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda visited Chile and the center. At the time, ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 9 2005

SGI-USA Women to Hold Grassroots Meetings During February 2005

Commemorating SGI-USA Women's Day, February 27, SGI-USA women will hold grassroots discussion meetings during February 2005 with a theme of "The Myoho Sisterhood: Making the Impossible Possible." The women will study Nichiren Buddhism through "The World of Nichiren Daishonin's Writings--A Discussion on Humanistic Religion" and Nichiren's letter of encouragement to ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 7 2005

Soka Gakkai Publishes English Translation of Ongi kuden (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings)

Soka Gakkai recently released The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, an English translation by Dr. Burton Watson of the Ongi kuden. The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, represents the notes on Nichiren's lectures on the Lotus Sutra that were recorded and put into order by Nichiren's close disciple ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 7 2005

Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea, Designates SGI-Korea Yongsan Culture Center as Model Facility

SGI-Korea Yongsan Culture Center in Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea, was designated as a model facility for 2004 by the Yongsan District. The center's facilities are recognized as friendly and convenient for users, and adhere to South Korean building codes that ensure the ease of use of the building by ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 7 2005

SGI-Spain Starts Afresh with New Leaders

SGI-Spain members greet the New Year on January 1 at their Barcelona center SGI-Spain recently appointed new leaders. They are: Luisa Gonzalez, women's division (WD) chief; Masako Koshiishi and Rosa Maria Alvarez, vice WD chiefs; Catherine Rocher, WD secretariat; Juan Garcia Ito, youth division (YD) chief; Pablo Juares, young men's division ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 6 2005

SGI Members Around the World Celebrate New Year's Day and SGI's 30th Anniversary

SGI-New Zealand members gathered at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland as well at the Dunedin Activity Center on South Island, located in the southernmost part of the hemisphere. SGI members in Madagascar meet in Antananarivo SGI members in the Democratic Republic of Madagascar, located 250 miles off the southeast coast ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 6 2005

SGI-Brazil Education Department Holds Commencement Ceremony for Literacy Program Graduates

Since 1987, SGI-Brazil (BSGI) Education Department has promoted a literacy program for adults. The original objective was to help illiterate BSGI members learn to read and write, but other people in the local communities are also welcome to attend the classes. Each course is 40 hours long. The work is ... read more

Press Releases | Jan 6 2005

SGI Buddhist Associations Throughout Asia Respond to Tsunami Disaster

Tokyo, Japan: Asian branches of Soka Gakkai International, one of the world's largest lay Buddhist associations, are mobilizing financial and human resources to respond to the catastrophic tsunami which devastated large parts of the region on December 26, 2004. On January 5, the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Japan made donations of ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Jan 6 2005

Soka Gakkai Organizations Respond to Tsunami Disaster

Asian branches of Soka Gakkai International are mobilizing financial and human resources to respond to the catastrophic tsunami that devastated large parts of the region on December 26, 2004. On January 5, the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Japan made donations of 5 million yen (approx. US$48,000) for relief operations to ... read more

Education | Jan 6 2005

SGI-Brazil Education Department Holds Commencement Ceremony for Literacy Program Graduates

Since 1987, SGI-Brazil (BSGI) Education Department has promoted a literacy program for adults. The original objective was to help illiterate BSGI members learn to read and write, but other people in the local communities are also welcome to attend the classes. Each course is 40 hours long. The work is ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jan 5 2005

Kathmandu, Nepal, Presents First Kathumandu Peace Award to SGI President

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, recently created the Kathmandu Peace Award to be conferred upon individuals deemed to have made significant contributions to world peace. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda was chosen as the first recipient of the award for 2004, for his contributions to world peace and friendship between Nepal and Japan. ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 1 2005

SGI-USA to Celebrate SGI's 30th Anniversary in January in Guam and Hawaii

In mid-January, SGI-USA and Soka University of America will cohost a Peace and Education Conference in Guam, where the first World Peace Conference took place on January 26, 1975, and the SGI's precursor, the International Buddhist League, was established. Inviting scholars and educators from the U.S. and Pacific Islands, the ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 1 2005

Five Soka Gakkai Bands to Participate in National Meet

On January 15-16, five Soka Gakkai bands will participate in the 32nd All-Japan Marching Band and Baton Twirling Competition at the Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The five bands are the Soka Renaissance Vanguard, the Chubu Bugle Band, the Soka Okayama Rainbow Sounds, the Kagoshima Marching Band and Fuji ... read more

Buddhism | Jan 1 2005

Happy New Year 2005, "Year of Youth and Development"! 2005 New Year's Message (abridged) from Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya

A very Happy New Year to Soka Gakkai (Japan) and Soka Gakkai International members throughout the world! The "Year of Youth and Development-2005" is spiritedly underway, as we aim for the 80th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding (in 2010). This year [also] marks the 30th anniversary of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). ... read more