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Peace and Disarmament | Aug 3 2006

119th Hiroshima Study Lecture Series--"The War Generation's Pacifism"

On August 2, Hiroshima Soka Gakkai sponsored its 119th Hiroshima Study Lecture at the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Center, inviting former Hiroshima City University President Reiji Fujimoto to speak on "The War Generation's Pacifism." Dr. Fujimoto began his talk saying, "This is the first time for me to speak about my ... read more

Education | Aug 3 2006

Mexican University Hosts Forum on First Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's Pedagogy

On July 14, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (UADY) (Yucatan Autonomous University) hosted a forum titled "Learning from Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's Educational Philosophy" attended by 100 educators and students. Using as reference material a collection of theses titled Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's Philosophy of Value Creation published by Universidad Central de Venezuela (Central University ... read more

Education | Aug 3 2006

Kinmen County, Taiwan, Hosts Exhibitions of Li Chi-Mao's Art and Daisaku Ikeda's Photography, Charity Concert, and Soka Joy Summer Camp

In July, SGI-Taiwan held various events in Kinmen County, Taiwan. At the beginning of the month, SGI-Taiwan Student Division members sponsored a Soka Joy Summer Camp for students at the Guning Elementary School on Kinmen Island. Soka Joy Summer Camp is an SGI-Taiwan Student Division initiative to contribute to children's ... read more

Interfaith | Aug 2 2006

Dialogue Series between Preeminent Theologian Harvey G. Cox Jr. and SGI President to Begin in September Ushio

A dialogue series between leading religious studies expert Harvey G. Cox Jr., Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, USA, and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda will begin in the September issue of Ushio, a monthly Japanese literary magazine. Titled "Peace and Religion in the 21st Century" (tentative translation), they discuss ... read more

Buddhism | Aug 1 2006

SGI-Serbia Members Gather for Commemorative Meeting

On July 8 and 9, SGI members in Serbia met at their center in Belgrade to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the establishment of SGI-Serbia Chapter (formerly SGI-Yugoslavia). Then, the former Yugoslavia was mired in ethnic conflict, leading to NATO intervention--the bombing of Belgrade and the stationing of a NATO-led ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jul 31 2006

Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa Youth Hold Annual Peace Summit

On July 29, Soka Gakkai Youth Peace Conference (YPC) representatives from Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa held their annual youth peace summit at the Hiroshima Peace Center. The respective YPC of each of the three prefectures have collaborated on antiwar publications, video recordings of atomic bombing and war victims' experiences, and ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jul 30 2006

Soka Gakkai Women in Chubu and Ishikawa Regions Sponsor Peace Forums

On July 29, Soka Gakkai women in Nagoya City held a peace forum titled "Conveying the Heart of Peace" at the Chubu Ikeda Hall in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Chieko Yonezawa shared her experience as an atomic bomb victim and the importance of cherishing peace. Hiromi Endo and her mother, ... read more

Culture | Jul 27 2006

Japan-China Youth Friendship Exchange--Summer 2006

From July 21-27, 2006, 200 Japanese Soka Gakkai youth representatives visited Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin on an exchange visit to promote friendship between China and Japan. In Beijing, on July 25, the delegation met with student representatives of Peking University and held discussions on ways of strengthening Sino-Japanese ties, and the ... read more

Buddhism | Jul 23 2006

SGI Youth from 60 Countries Exchange with Members in Chiba, Ibaraki, Gunma and Tochigi Prefectures

On July 22, SGI youth, in Japan attending summer training sessions, met with Soka Gakkai members in Chiba, Ibaraki, Gunma and Tochigi Prefectures. Members from Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon attended a meeting in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture. The boys and girls Lion Cubs Sun Chorus, accompanied on the koto, performed. ... read more

Culture | Jul 23 2006

Soka Gakkai Japan-China Youth Friendship Delegation Visit Shanghai City Hall

On July 21, Soka Gakkai Vice President Yoshiki Tanigawa, together with representatives of the Soka Gakkai Japan-China Youth Friendship Delegation, visited the Shanghai City Hall and met with Vice Mayor Yang Xiaodu. Mr. Yang called SGI President Daisaku Ikeda China's "old friend" and said there was much to learn from ... read more

Buddhism | Jul 20 2006

SGI Young Women Commemorate 55th Anniversary During Summer Youth Training Session in Japan

On July 19, the 55th anniversary of the Young Women's Division (YWD), worldwide SGI young women representatives attended the first SGI Young Women's Division Leaders' Meeting at the Soka Young Women's Center in Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Following words by Soka Gakkai Vice General Director Minoru Harada, SGI-Zambia Young Women's ... read more

Buddhism | Jul 20 2006

Broward County, Florida, USA, Commemorates Tenth Anniversary of the Florida Nature and Culture Center; Honors SGI President and His Wife Kaneko Ikeda

The Board of Commissioners in Broward County, Florida, USA, recently proclaimed June 19 as "Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda Day" in commemoration of the Florida Nature and Culture Center's (FNCC) tenth anniversary. County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin entrusted the citation to SGI-USA Young Women's Leader Kimberly Hermann and a delegation of young ... read more

Buddhism | Jul 19 2006

Two Official Websites Related to Daisaku Ikeda Now Available

Soka Gakkai International (SGI) launched two official websites related to President Daisaku Ikeda in July:. Daisaku Ikeda Library - www.ikedabooks.org The first site, "Daisaku Ikeda Library," showcases Mr. Ikeda's published works. Mr. Ikeda is a prolific writer. The scope of his works ranges from novels, discourse on Buddhism and life, poetry, and ... read more

Education | Jul 12 2006

Fongbin Elementary School, Taiwan, Hosts SGI-Taiwan Students' Soka Joy Summer Camp

On July 2 and 3, Fongbin Elementary School hosted the Soka Joy Summer Camp, an initiative of the SGI-Taiwan student division providing young people in rural areas with opportunities to participate in athletic events, chemistry workshops, dances, and other educational activities. On the final day, Township Magistrate Jhang Jin-de presented ... read more

Education | Jul 9 2006

SGI-Taiwan Sponsors Second Summer Camp at Maolin Elementary School in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan; SGI President Honored

At the beginning of July, SGI-Taiwan sponsored a three-day Soka Joy Summer Camp at the Maolin Elementary School in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. This was the second year for the camp that had its beginnings in July 2005, in the wake of Typhoon Haitang that severely damaged the school. SGI-Taiwan students ... read more

Buddhism | Jul 7 2006

Soka Gakkai Reelects President Einosuke Akiya

Einosuke Akiya (75) has been reelected as Soka Gakkai president for another five-year term, starting July 18, 2006. The Presidential Selection Committee headed by Ryozo Nishiguchi, chairman of the Executive Council, met July 6 at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo, in accordance with the organization's regulations. The committee ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jul 7 2006

Hiroshima Youth Sponsor Lecture on "The Path to Abolition of Nuclear Weapons"

On July 6, Soka Gakkai youth in Hiroshima sponsored a lecture titled "Hiroshima Speaks--The Path to Abolition of Nuclear Weapons," by Tadaomi Saito, chair of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation. Mr. Saito stressed that when talking about nuclear weapons, the focus should be on the human toll and suffering they ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jul 5 2006

Toda Peace Institute and Simon Fraser University Cosponsor HUGG II International Conference in Vancouver, Canada

From June 25-27, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, in collaboration with Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, sponsored "Alliance of Civilizations for Global Peace: Human Security, Regional Conflict and Global Governance," a HUGG II International Conference, in Vancouver, Canada. Some 50 scholars hailing from 23 countries gathered to ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 30 2006

Singapore Soka Association Youth and Women Sponsor Lectures by Dr. N. Radhakrishnan

On June 10, Singapore Soka Association (SSA) youth sponsored their sixth peace lecture at the SSA headquarters, inviting renowned Gandhian scholar Dr. N. Radhakrishnan as guest lecturer. Dr. Radhakrishnan is chair of the Indian Council of Gandhian Studies, director of the G. Ramachandran Institute of Nonviolence in India and former ... read more

Education | Jun 29 2006

Student Group at Teachers College, Columbia University, Hosts Symposium on the Humanistic Educational Theories of John Dewey and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi

On June 16, Buddhism for Global Peace, a student group at Columbia University, in collaboration with the SGI-USA Education Division, sponsored a symposium on "Humanistic Education: Theory into Practice--John Dewey and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. The event commemorated the tenth anniversary of SGI President Ikeda's speech at Teachers College, "Thoughts on Education ... read more

Culture | Jun 28 2006

Authority on Napoleonic History Lectures at Victor Hugo House of Literature

On June 18, SGI-France hosted a lecture by Bernard Petit, former president of the Association du Souvenir Napoléonien and authority on Napoleonic history, at the Victor Hugo House of Literature in Bièvres, a suburb of Paris, France. Dr. Petit spoke on Victor Hugo and Louis Napoleon (Napoleon III), whose lives ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Jun 27 2006

Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee Creates DVD of Women's War Testimonies

Commemorating the Women's Division's 55th anniversary, the Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee created a DVD entitled "For the Sake of Peace: Women's War Testimonies" (tentative translation). Last summer, which marked the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, Soka Gakkai women members across Japan interviewed some 180 women ... read more

Human Rights | Jun 26 2006

Chubu Youth Division Hosts Lecture on Television Programming and Human Rights

On June 25, the Chubu youth division sponsored a peace lecture by Keinosuke Ohki, professor of Cultural Information at Sugiyama Jogakuen University, at the Soka Gakkai Chubu Peace Center, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Mr. Ohki, who has served as director of the NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute and councilor of ... read more

Human Rights | Jun 23 2006

International Politics Scholar Speaks at Soka Gakkai Youth Lecture Series

On June 22, Kinhide Mushakoji, an international politics scholar and director of the Center for Asia Pacific Partnership at the Osaka University of Economics and Law, was the guest speaker at the second Youth Lecture Series sponsored by the Soka Gakkai Youth Peace Conference. Professor Mushakoji stated that at the ... read more

Interfaith | Jun 23 2006

SGI-UK Hosts "Open Day" and Interfaith Conference at Taplow Court Grand Culture Centre

SGI-UK's Taplow Court Grand Culture Centre, a manor house surrounded by traditional English-style gardens, located in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, has been holding "Open Day," on Sundays and national holidays throughout the open house season. Apart from mini concerts and exhibits, visitors enjoyed a breathtaking ... read more

Culture | Jun 22 2006

Malaysia Soka Gakkai Sponsors Charity Music Festival

From June 9-11, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) held a Peace Charity Culture Festival commemorating the 18th anniversary of Ipoh City Day at the Stadim Indera Mulia in Ipoh, Malaysia. With an idea to promote culture in the community and create a harmonious society, the audience was treated to a spectacular ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 15 2006

SGI-Philippines Women's Division Holds Friendship Gatherings

In April and May, to commemorate May 10, SGI-Philippines Women's Division (WD) Day, SGI-Philippines WD held friendship meetings by group. Some 17,000, including 12,500 friends, gathered for the meetings held at 808 locations throughout the country. With unique meeting themes, participants shared experiences of practicing Nichiren Buddhism and performed songs ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 14 2006

SGI-Spain Members in Galicia Meet for First Time as a Region; SGI-Norway Women's Division Holds General Meetings

On May 27-28, SGI-Spain members met for their first study session in the suburb of Lugo City in Galicia, located in northwest Spain and known as "the land of one thousand rivers." Some 35 members gathered from throughout the region. During the meeting, the formation of the first district in ... read more

Culture | Jun 14 2006

SGI-Hong Kong Hosts Art Exhibition and Lecture

On June 8, an exhibition of Chinese paintings by Su Dongtian opened at the SGI-Hong Kong Culture Center in Hong Kong. Mr. Su is professor emeritus at Shenzhen University of China and renowned for his masterpieces depicting plum blossoms. The event was sponsored by SGI-Hong Kong and supported by the ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 11 2006

27,000 Gather for Chapter Meetings in India

From May 6 to May 14, Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai (BSG) held chapter general meetings at 200 venues in 150 cities throughout India. Some 27,000 BSG members and their families and friends gathered. The meetings commemorated the 45th anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's first visit to India in 1961. ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 8 2006

China's National Peking Opera Theatre Launches Japan Tour

China's National Peking Opera Theatre launched its 2006 Japan tour at the Kanagawa Prefectual Civic Hall on June 6, performing famous scenes from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." Most of the scenes center around Zhuge Liang (181 - 234 A.D.), the most popular statesman and strategic general in Chinese history. ... read more

Culture | Jun 8 2006

China's National Peking Opera Theatre Launches Japan Tour

China's National Peking Opera Theatre launched its 2006 Japan tour at the Kanagawa Prefectual Civic Hall on June 6, performing famous scenes from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." Most of the scenes center around Zhuge Liang (181 - 234 A.D.), the most popular statesman and strategic general in Chinese history. ... read more

Education | Jun 7 2006

Soka Gakkai Education Department Hosts Lecture by Former Thoreau Society President Ronald A. Bosco

On June 6, 2006, commemorating the 135th anniversary of the birth of educator and first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944), the Soka Gakkai Education Department hosted a public lecture at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The speaker was Ronald A. Bosco, former president of the ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 6 2006

SGI-Korea Women's Division Holds Commemorative Chorus Festival

On May 17, SGI-Korea women sponsored a national chorus festival at a center in Seoul to commemorate the 16th anniversary of both SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's visit to their country in September 1990 and May 21, SGI-Korea Women's Division Day. Five choruses active throughout the country gathered to perform SGI ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 5 2006

SGI-Panama Hosts Dramatization of SGI President's The Snow Country Prince; SGI-Philippines Young Women Meet for Study Session

Local students enjoy the play On May 17-20, 2006, SGI-Panama hosted a play for children at the SGI-Panama Culture Center in Panama. Representative youth members performed an original play based on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's children's story, The Snow Country Prince, about a young boy and girl in a snow ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 5 2006

Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fishery Departments of Okayama and Aichi Hold Renaissance Rallies

On June 4, 2006, Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fisheries Department members met in Okayama and Aichi, respectively. Okayama representatives hosted an experience rally in Misakicho, Kume-gun, which is one of 100 selected terraced rice fields of Japan. The three speakers were: Juntaro Kawamoto, who received the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry ... read more

Buddhism | Jun 4 2006

SGI-Switzerland Representatives Participate in Training Session in Trets, France

From May 4-7, 150 SGI-Switzerland members participated in a training session at the SGI-European Center in Trets, southern France, together with SGI-Switzerland General Director Massimo Marazzi. SGI-Switzerland Chair Tadayasu Kanzaki lectured on "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime" from Nichiren's writings. Representatives shared experiences of applying Nichiren Buddhism to overcome ... read more

Press Releases | Jun 2 2006

Soka Gakkai Donates for Indonesian Earthquake Relief

Tokyo, Japan: On June 1 Soka Gakkai representatives donated US$30,000 (3,300,000 yen) to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Japan for earthquake relief following the severe quake which hit Central Java on May 27. The day after the quake, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Indonesia members in Yogyakarta formed a ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Jun 2 2006

Soka Gakkai Donates for Indonesian Earthquake Relief

On June 1 Soka Gakkai representatives donated US$30,000 (3,300,000 yen) to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Japan for earthquake relief following the severe quake that hit Central Java on May 27. The day after the quake, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Indonesia members in Yogyakarta formed a motor bike ... read more

Culture | Jun 2 2006

Special Photography Exhibition Commemorates 60th Anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adjulyadej of Thailand; Thai Culture Ministry Commends Mrs. Kaneko Ikeda

On June 1, "Light-Shadow, Under His Majesty the King of Thailand's Reign: the Thai Tradition," a special photography exhibition celebrating the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne, opened at the Soka Gakkai Toda Peace Memorial Hall in Yokohama, Tokyo. Some 130 guests attended the ... read more

Education | Jun 1 2006

SGI-Australia Women Host Seminar for Parents of Children with Learning and Attentional Disorders

SGI-Australia women hosted a seminar focusing on children's mental health and education, inviting Michele Toner from the Learning and Attentional Disorders Society (LADS) to talk about how mothers can cope with children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). SGI-Australia Women's Division Advisor Kyoko Imaya shared the ideals of Nichiren ... read more

Buddhism | May 28 2006

25,000 Study Nichiren's Writings in Soka Gakkai Malaysia

During May, some 25,000 Soka Gakkai Malaysia members participated in lectures on Nichiren's writings in their locales. On May 15 and 16, members in Kuala Lumpur and Maraca State studied "Winter Always Turns to Spring," Nichiren's letter of encouragement and comfort sent to Myoichi Ama, a woman believer, who had ... read more

Sustainable Development | May 28 2006

Lima, Peru Hosts "Seeds of Change" Exhibition

From April 22 through April 27, "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential," an exhibit highlighting the Earth Charter as a "map" pointing toward sustainable living and environmental preservation, showed in Miraflores District, Lima Province, Peru. The exhibit commemorated April 22, Earth Day, and was held at the ... read more

Buddhism | May 25 2006

SGI Members in Africa and Romania Celebrate Soka Gakkai's Anniversary

SGI-Romania members met in Bucharest, Romania's capital, on May 6, together with SGI-Europe Vice Chair Peter Kuehn. In June 1983, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda visited Romania and lectured at the University of Bucharest. Following the 1989 revolutions that marked the fall of Communism in Europe, Romania suffered from unending political, ... read more

Culture | May 25 2006

Soka Gakkai Delegates Attend Jiangsu-Japan People's Friendship Exchange Week Opening Celebrations

On May 22, Soka Gakkai delegates attended the opening for Jiangsu-Japan People's Friendship Exchange Week celebrations at the China-Japan Friendship Hall in Nanjing City, at the invitation of the Jiangsu People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Jiangsu Provincial Governor Liang Baohua warmly welcomed Soka Gakkai Vice General Director Hiromasa ... read more