All News
Culture | Mar 18 2006
Soka Gakkai Seafarers' Photography Exhibition to Open March 29 in Vietnam
"Beyond the Horizon," an exhibit of photographs taken by the "Hato-kai," Soka Gakkai members working on ocean-going vessels, will open March 29 at the Vietnam Maritime University in Haiphong, Vietnam. The exhibition has traveled to seaports throughout the world, including Japan, Russia, the Philippines, China and India. This is the ... read more
Education | Mar 14 2006
Panama Education Ministry Commends SGI President for Educational Contributions
The National Department of Private Education, Ministry of Education, Panama, recently commended SGI President Daisaku Ikeda for his educational contributions. The conferral took place on February 17, 2006, at Antigua Bilingual Academy in Panama City, during a seminar on Soka Education and the pedagogy of first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 13 2006
Bahrat (India) Soka Gakkai Members Hold Family Festivals in Soka Bodhi Tree Garden
From January 15 through March 5, Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai members held family festivals at the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden in a suburb of New Delhi. Inviting family members, BSG members held unique, creative "family festivals" in appreciation for their families' support of their activities in the BSG and in ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 13 2006
SGI-Portugal Holds Study Session in Trets, Southern France
From February 25-28, 100 SGI-Portugal members, mainly youth, attended a study session at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. The organization, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2005, has grown to one headquarters and four chapters. Newly appointed SGI-Europe Chair Hideaki Takahashi and SGI-Europe Women's Chair Sakae Takahashi ... read more
Culture | Mar 8 2006
Soka University Opens Beijing Office Near Peking University, China
On March 6, Soka University opened its Beijing Office in the Resource Building located adjacent to Peking University. Many guests attended, including representatives from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 44 universities and academic institutions, the China-Japan Friendship Association and the All-China Youth Federation. A delegation from Soka University, led by ... read more
Interfaith | Mar 7 2006
SGI-USA Representative Speaks at Interfaith Event During UN Commission on the Status of Women, in New York
On March 1, 2006, the Temple of Understanding, a nongovernmental organization accredited with the United Nations (UN), hosted a second lecture on "Religion and Global Citizenship" in New York, USA. This event was an official parallel event of the 50th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Mar 5 2006
Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee Sponsors Culture of Peace Forums
On March 4, 2006, Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee's (WPC) "Culture of Peace" forums were held respectively in Nakano and Sumida Wards, Tokyo; Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture; Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; and Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. At each venue, women representatives shared how they overcame hardships through their practice of ... read more
Culture | Mar 5 2006
Soka Gakkai Delegates Visit Renowned Chinese Scholar, Professor Jao Tsung-i
On March 3, a Soka Gakkai delegation headed by SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda visited renowned Chinese scholar, Professor Jao Tsung-I, professor emeritus of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, in Hong Kong City. Known as the "Leonardo da Vinci of the Orient" and "Great Sage of Chinese Literature," Professor ... read more
Buddhism | Mar 3 2006
23,000 Pass Youth Division Advanced Level Study Examination on Nichiren Buddhism
Some 23,000 passed the advanced level youth division study examination on Nichiren Buddhism that took place on February 26 throughout Japan. Soka Gakkai Study Department Chief Katsuji Saito congratulated the successful candidates, as well as thanked those who supported their study efforts behind the scenes, including everyone involved in the ... read more
Culture | Mar 3 2006
Chinese Culture University, Taiwan, Hosts Gandhi, King, Ikeda Exhibition
At the invitation of the Chinese Culture University, Taiwan, Soka Gakkai representatives attended the university's commemorative events celebrating its 44th anniversary. On March 1, the "Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace," an exhibition introducing the human rights and peace activism of three 20th century leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin ... read more
Culture | Mar 3 2006
Soka Gakkai Delegates Visit National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan
On March 1, a Soka Gakkai delegation, headed by Hiromasa Ikeda, visited the National Palace Museum (NPM) in Tapei, Taiwan. NPM receives over 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular museums worldwide. Speaking with museum representatives, Vice President Ikeda emphasized the exalted, universal values of culture ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 27 2006
Soka Gakkai Holds Youth Division Advanced-level Examination on Nichiren Buddhism
On February 26, approximately 45,800 Soka Gakkai youth sat for an advanced-level study examination at 457 locations throughout Japan. The 90-minute exam focused on four of Nichiren's major writings in the original classical Japanese, "The True Object of Worship," "Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life" and portions of "Letter ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 26 2006
Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee Sponsors Culture of Peace Forums
The Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee's (WPC) "Culture of Peace" forums have been well-received across Japan. On February 25, during a forum held at the Tsukuba Culture Center in Ibaraki Prefecture, Keiko Murakami, Kumiko Sawahata, Tokue Nakazawa and Kiriko Otsukawa shared experiences spanning international exchanges, caregiving and dealing with a child ... read more
Culture | Feb 22 2006
SGI Mourns Loss of Master Chinese Painter Fang Zhaoling
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent his condolences upon the death of master Chinese painter Fang Zhaoling, "Hong Kong's Mother of the Arts," on February 20, 2006. Madame Fang was 92 years old. In a telegram to the family, Mr. Ikeda expressed deep sorrow at the loss of humanity's great treasure ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 21 2006
Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fisheries Division Members Gather throughout Japan
On February 18-19, 2006, members of the Soka Gakkai Agriculture and Fisheries Division gathered for an annual conference in their respective prefectures. At each venue, the ninth Agriculture and Fisheries Renaissance Rally was broadcast via satellite. Three representatives gave progress reports on their particular business. Nobuaki Omori, Miyazaki Prefecture, together with ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Feb 21 2006
SGI President Sends Condolences to Republic of the Philippines President for Massive Landslide
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a condolence telegram, on behalf of the SGI, to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines, following the devastating landslide on Leyte Island on February 17, 2006. In his message, Mr. Ikeda expressed his deep sympathy for the victims and sincere prayers for ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 17 2006
Nichiren's Birthday Observed
On February 16, Soka Gakkai members throughout Japan and SGI members throughout the world, held services commemorating Nichiren's birthday at respective centers. Nichiren was born February 16, 1222 in Awa Province in what is now Chiba Prefecture. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda attended the service at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters No. ... read more
Culture | Feb 17 2006
China's Ambassador to Japan and SGI President Meet
On February 16, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and Soka Gakkai representatives welcomed Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi and his party at the Seikyo Press Building in Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. They discussed Sino-Japan friendship and Asia's growth and development in the current age. Mr. Ikeda affirmed that Japan owes ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 11 2006
Toda Institute Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with Conference on UN Reforms
On February 11, 2006, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, a Soka Gakkai-affiliated peace organization, celebrates its 10th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the Toda Institute hosted an international conference February 4-5, in Los Angeles, USA, with a theme of "Transforming the United Nations: Human Development, Regional ... read more
Buddhism | Feb 10 2006
Buddhism Study Conference Held at Florida Nature and Culture Center
January 27-30, 2006, some 187 representatives of SGI North American and Latin American countries attended a study conference on Nichiren Buddhism at the SGI-USA Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. SGI Study Department Chief Katsuji Saito lectured on January 28-29. The study material included "Reply ... read more
Human Rights | Feb 8 2006
Boston Research Center for the 21st Century and Wellesley Centers for Women Cosponsor "The Eleanor Roosevelt Lecture on Global Vision"
On February 1, 2006, "The Eleanor Roosevelt Lecture on Global Vision" took place at the Boston Research Center (BRC), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The lecture, the fifth and final, in the Women of Courage lecture series, was cosponsored by the BRC and the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College. Launched ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Feb 5 2006
Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee Hosts Peace Forums in Chiba, Tochigi and Ibaraki
On February 3 and 4, 2006, Soka Gakkai's Chiba Prefecture Women's Peace Committee hosted a "Culture of Peace" forum at the Soka Gakkai Kisarazu Culture Center in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. Four women shared their experiences that included a first-hand account of war and involvement with a nursing care for ... read more
Education | Feb 4 2006
The Mahatma Gandhi People's Welfare Trust, India, Confers Ramachandran-Ikeda Award
The Mahatma Gandhi People's Welfare Trust recently conferred its fifth Ramachandran-Ikeda Award on Kerala Harijan Sevak Sangh, a welfare organization. The award, commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of Dr G. Ramachandran and the 75th year of Soka Gakkai's foundation, recognized Kerala Harijan Sevak Sangh's work in providing educational scholarships to ... read more
Culture | Feb 2 2006
Soka Gakkai Remembers Victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake
On January 19-25, the 2nd International Orchid Festival was held at Maejo University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, celebrating the 60th coronation anniversary of his Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. SGI-Thailand chorus members performed at a commemorative ceremony on January 23, graced by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand. [Since 1961, SGI President ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 30 2006
SGI-Macau and SGI-Hong Kong Hold Study Session, Respectively; SGI-Hong Kong Publishes Chinese Translation of Nichiren's Writings
SGI-Macau held a beginning-level study session on Nichiren Buddhism on January 21, at the SGI-Macau Culture Center. Some 100 members attended and discussed basic concepts of Nichiren Buddhism, such as "faith, practice and study"--the three essential elements of the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. On January 23, some 300 SGI-Hong Kong ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jan 28 2006
SGI-USA Hosts Youth Nonviolence Conference to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On January 16, a national holiday celebrating and honoring the life and achievements of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), SGI-USA hosted the third annual youth nonviolence conference at the SGI-USA New York Culture Center. Some 120 SGI-USA youth representatives and members of UN NGOs participated. Entitled ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 27 2006
SGI-USA Celebrates Chinese New Year
On January 22, 2006, SGI-USA hosted a Lunar (Chinese) New Year celebration at the SGI-USA World Culture Center in Santa Monica, California, USA. Some 1,000 SGI-USA members, mainly of Asian ancestry, gathered together with their families and friends. Attractions included dances with a youthful beat, traditional Chinese Kung Fu performed ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 27 2006
SGI Members in Togo, Kenya and Côte d'Ivoire, Africa, Respectively Kick Off 2006
On January 8, 2006, some 500 SGI-Togo members met in Lome, the capital of Togo. Youth leaders expressed their resolve to take the initiative in promoting the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism for the sake of people's happiness and the betterment of society. SGI-Kenya leaders met on January 15, in ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 27 2006
Seikyo Shimbun Holds Grand 55th Anniversary Reception
On January, 26, 2006, the Seikyo Shimbun, which celebrates its 55th anniversary this April, hosted a reception commemorating the occasion in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Over 1,700 guests, including those from the media and foreign embassies, were welcomed by Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya, General Director Toru Aoki, Vice General Director ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 26 2006
Soka Gakkai International Holds World Peace Prayer Service to Commemorate January 26, SGI Day
On January 25, commemorating SGI's 31st anniversary, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda attended a world peace prayer service at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji, Tokyo. At the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya attended a prayer service, together with SGI General Director ... read more
Press Releases | Jan 26 2006
Improved China-Japan Relations Vital, Six-Party Summit on North Korea Needed--SGI President Issues Annual Peace Proposal
Tokyo, Japan: In his annual peace proposal issued today, SGI (Soka Gakkai International) President Daisaku Ikeda calls for improved relations between China and Japan. He also calls for a summit-level meeting of all the states currently participating in the Six-Party Talks on the issue of North Korean nuclear disarmament. Ikeda was ... read more
Culture | Jan 26 2006
Soka Gakkai Representatives Visit Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla
On January 25, Soka Gakkai representatives, led by Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya and Soka University President Masami Wakae, paid a courtesy call on Indonesia's Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is in Japan as an official state guest, at a hotel in Tokyo. President Akiya conveyed SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jan 22 2006
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Takes Place at SGI-Plaza in Santa Monica
On February 3 and 4, 2006, Soka Gakkai's Chiba Prefecture Women's Peace Committee hosted a "Culture of Peace" forum at the Soka Gakkai Kisarazu Culture Center in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. Four women shared their experiences that included a first-hand account of war and involvement with a nursing care for ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 19 2006
Fourth SGI-European Summit Held at SGI European Center in France
SGI representatives from 28 European countries participated in the fourth SGI-European Summit from January 12 through 15, 2006, at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory message, in which he encouraged participants to lead victorious lives based on harmonious unity infused with ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 18 2006
Soka Gakkai Remembers Victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake
On January 17, the eleventh 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. Soka ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jan 18 2006
Soka Gakkai Remembers Victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake
On January 17, the eleventh 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. Soka ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jan 17 2006
Dialogue between Peace Scholar Dr. Elise Boulding and SGI President to be Published in Japanese
Ushio Publishers will soon release Heiwa no bunka no kagayaku seiki e, (Building a Century of a "Culture of Peace"--tentative translation), a dialogue between Dr. Elise Boulding, renowned American peace activist and sociologist, and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The book is a compilation of a dialogue series published in the ... read more
Culture | Jan 13 2006
China's National Peking Opera Theatre to Tour Japan in June-July 2006
On January 17, the eleventh 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. Soka ... read more
Culture | Jan 13 2006
Min-On Concert Association to Host Buenos Tango in February
Beginning February, the Min-On Concert Association (Min-On) will host Buenos Tango, which is the 37th installment of the Min-On's Tango Series. Launched in 1970 with a concert by the internationally acclaimed Orquestra Jose Basso, the Min-On Tango Series deserves much credit for establishing tango popularity in Japan. Among the cast ... read more
Culture | Jan 12 2006
"Dialogue with Nature" Exhibition Opens in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, China
From December 28, 2005, through January 3, 2006, "Dialogue with Nature," an exhibition of nature and scenic photographs taken by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, showed in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, China. Chaozhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and SGI-Hong Kong are among the sponsors. The exhibition includes some 112 ... read more
Buddhism | Jan 5 2006
SGI Members Around the World Usher in the New Year
On January 1 and 2, 2006, SGI members in 190 countries and regions gathered in their respective locales to celebrate the start of 2006. In a message celebrating the New Year, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda thanked the members for their efforts and encouraged them to further advance with the spirit ... read more
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