All News
Buddhism | Oct 4 2005
Second SGI-Oceania Conference Held in New Zealand
On September 25, some 800 SGI members from 17 countries and regions in Oceania gathered for the Second SGI-Oceania Conference at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland, New Zealand, commemorating the SGI's 30th anniversary. SGI-Oceania's membership has grown twofold in the past five years. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent ... read more
Culture | Oct 1 2005
China's Tianjin Song and Dance Theater Tours Japan; Min-On Founder Appointed Honorary Director
The Tianjin Song and Dance Theater, a leading musical dance troupe in China, is now touring Japan, at the invitation of Min-On Concert Association (Min-On). Founded in 1953, the Tianjin Song and Dance Theater has contributed to develop China's performing arts and deepen friendships with people across the world through ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Sep 25 2005
IOP Cohosts Symposium on Nonviolence and Peace in Tokyo
On September 24, an Indo-Japan collaborative symposium, titled "Toward Creating an Age of Nonviolence and Peace: Gandhism and the SGI (tentative translation)" took place at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP), Japan and the National Committee of Dr. G. Ramachandran's Centennial ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Sep 24 2005
Dr. N. Radhakrishnan Lectures on Significance of SGI President's Peace Proposals
On September 23, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy sponsored a lecture by Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, director of the G. Ramachandran Institute of Nonviolence in India on "Significance of SGI President's Peace Proposals to Contemporary Society" at the Nihon Seinenkan in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Dr. Radhakrishnan, an internationally renowned Gandhian scholar ... read more
Culture | Sep 23 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Participates in 48th National Day Celebration
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) participated in Malaysia's 48th National Day (August 31) celebrations in 11 states, including Kuala Lumpur. SGM has supported independence day festivities since 1985, when the Malaysian government first approached SGM with a request for support. On August 31, 100 SGM Student Division members put on a ... read more
Education | Sep 20 2005
Soka Gakkai Educators in Hokkaido Exchange Reports on Applying Humanistic Education
On September 18, Soka Gakkai educators of Hokkaido gathered for the 19th Hokkaido "Rally on Practical Application of Humanistic Education" at the Iwamizawa Community Center in Iwamizawa City, to report on their efforts to practice humanistic education in the classroom. Some 1,200 educators and guests attended. In a message, SGI ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Sep 15 2005
SGI-USA Donates Money for Hurricane Relief, Starts Toy Collection Drive
In response to the heavy losses caused by Hurricane Katrina when it hit the southern part of the US on August 29, SGI-USA has entrusted US$10,000 to the Red Cross for use in emergency relief operations to support victims of Hurricane Katrina. SGI-USA youth have has also launched a toy collection ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Sep 10 2005
SGI-USA Musicians Perform for Evacuees
SGI-USA volunteers have continued to engage in relief activities following Hurricane Katrina that hit the coastal regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, causing the most destruction in New Orleans where the levy system collapsed and submerged much of the city under water. On September 9, International Committee of Artists for ... read more
Education | Sep 9 2005
Kyochikuto no natsu, Produced by Shinano Films, Recognized by Japanese Ministry of Education
Kyochikuto no natsu (Oleander Summer), produced by Shinano Art and Culture Consultant Co. Ltd. to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, received a "Special Selection" rating from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a film for children, youth, adults and ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Sep 8 2005
September 8 Marks 48th Anniversary of Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda's "Declaration for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons"
Today, September 8, is the 48th anniversary of second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda's "Declaration for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons" made at the Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. In the declaration, Mr. Toda earnestly called on youth to take on the mission of promulgating the abolition of ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Sep 6 2005
Response to Hurricane Katrina
On August 29, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States, causing unparalleled destruction and losses to the areas of Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Alabama. Thousands lost their lives and many more were forced to evacuate. New Orleans is particularly affected, with much of the city still ... read more
Buddhism | Sep 2 2005
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Opens New Center in Kuantan, Pahang
Local SGM members celebrate the opening of their new Pahang Center in Kuantan, Pahang State Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) opened a new center in Kuantan, state capital of Pahang, Malaysia's largest state, located in the eastern coastal region. Some 500 attended the opening of the Pahang Center on August 21, including ... read more
Buddhism | Sep 2 2005
SGI-Europe Members Meet for Summer Study in Trets, France
During July and August, SGI members in Europe met for their annual summer course at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. On August 18-23, some 150 members from 27 European countries gathered for a summer study session. SGI Study Department Chief Katsuji Saito, visiting from Japan, lectured on ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Sep 1 2005
SGI-USA Participates in Hurricane Katrina Relief Activities
On August 29, Hurricane Katrina hit the southern Gulf Coast of the US. The onslaught destroyed much of the coast of Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Alabama. To date, these areas are still plagued by massive flooding, with much of the infrastructure destroyed. In response, SGI-USA has set up two relief ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 29 2005
IOP to Host Public Lecture by India's G. Ramachandran Institute of Nonviolence Director
On September 23, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) will host a lecture by Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, director of the G. Ramachandran Institute of Nonviolence in India, in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, a leading Gandhi expert, will speak about peace issues based on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's peace ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 28 2005
Soka Gakkai Music Bands Participate in Local Parades
On August 27, the Soka Gakkai Nagano Fife-and-Drum Corps marched in the "Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto 2005," annual music festival in Nagano Prefecture. On the same day, Soka Renaissance Vanguard Junior participated in a local summer festival in Tachikawa City, Tokyo. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 26 2005
Boston Research Center for the 21st Century Commended by Psychologists for Social Responsibility for Promoting Peace and Social Justice
Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) presented the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century (BRC) with its 2005 Distinguished Contribution to Building Cultures of Peace Award for contributing to global awareness and for "cultivating an international sense of community [that] has produced a rich harvest of peace activities and educational ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 22 2005
Holocaust Exhibit Opens in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture
On August 21, "The Courage to Remember--Anne Frank and the Holocaust," opened at the International Congress Center in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The show describes the Nazi perpetration of the Holocaust and persecution of the Jewish people during World War II, as well as the life of Anne Frank, the ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 21 2005
Morehouse College's "Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace" Exhibition Opens in Chile
"Gandhi, King, Ikeda (GKI): A Legacy of Building Peace," an exhibition introducing the peace activism of three 20th century leaders, opened on August 4 at the National Library in Santiago, Chile. Santiago is the first city in Chile to host the exhibition. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., dean of the ... read more
Education | Aug 18 2005
Two Taiwanese Elementary Schools Commend SGI's Educational and Humanitarian Activities
On July 18, Haitang (Taiwan) Typhoon, packing high-velocity winds of up to 184 kph and torrential rains, hit Taiwan. local SGI-Taiwan members, led by SGI-Taiwan Student Division members, were actively involved in relief and clean-up activities, especially at Mao-lin and Duo-na Elementary schools, in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan. School buildings were ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 16 2005
Soka Gakkai Youth in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, Sponsor World Peace Memorial Service for War Victims
On August 15, the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Soka Gakkai youth sponsored a "World Peace Memorial Service for War Victims" at the Soka Gakkai Arakawa Culture Center in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. Soka Gakkai representatives, including Soka Gakkai General Director Toru Aoki, Youth Division Chief Kazuhiko ... read more
Culture | Aug 13 2005
Singapore Soka Association Supports 40th Anniversary National Day Celebrations
On August 9, some 2,000 Singapore Soka Association (SSA) members participated in Singapore's 40th National Day events across the country. Some 25,000 residents attended the annual show at Singapore's National Stadium, which all of Singapore's television networks telecast live as well as on the Internet. The festivities were seen by ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 12 2005
Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai and Times Foundation Cosponsor Peace Symposium Pointing to Dialogue as the Way to Lasting Peace
On August 4, Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai (BSG) and the Times Foundation of the Times Group, India's largest professional media group, cosponsored a peace symposium based on "Toward a New Era of Dialogue: Humanism Explored," the 2005 peace proposal SGI President Daisaku Ikeda submitted to the United ... read more
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
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