All News
Buddhism | Aug 25 2007
SGI Members in Fiji Gather
On August 25, 2007, SGI members in Fiji gathered for their third district general meeting. The district has grown steadily since it was established in July 2005. SGI-Oceania Chair Richard Sasaki and SGI members from the USA and Japan also participated in the gathering. Ajan and Rita Kumar were appointed ... read more
Culture | Aug 25 2007
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum Supports Japan Tours of Russian and Impressionist Art
The Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (TFAM) in Hachioji, Tokyo, has been supporting the Japan tours of two exhibitions: "Masterpieces of the State Russian Museum from Late 18th Century to Early 20th Century," and "Impressionism and its Origins." The exhibition of Russian masterpieces opened on August 25, 2007, at the 21st ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 21 2007
SGI-New Zealand Cosponsors "Culture of Peace" Exhibition at University of Auckland
From August 13-21, 2007, the University of Auckland in New Zealand, hosted the SGI exhibition "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World." SGI-New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) Auckland Branch cosponsored the event and the United Nations Association of New Zealand ... read more
Culture | Aug 19 2007
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Hosts Charity Culture Festival Commemorating 50th Anniversary of Independence
On August 18 and 19, 2007, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) members in the state of Negeri Sembilan organized a charity culture festival at Stadium Tertutup Nilai, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence, Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and the 50th anniversary of second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda's declaration calling ... read more
Culture | Aug 17 2007
SGI-Korea Fife-and-Drum Corps Participates in International Festivals
On August 16 and 17, 2007, the Victoria Marching Band, part of the SGI-Korea Arirang Fife-and-Drum Corps, performed at the renowned Jeju International Wind Music Festival on Jeju (Cheju) Island in South Korea. The 12th annual festival showcased 47 bands and orchestras from 12 countries, with 2,600 participants. The festival ... read more
Culture | Aug 16 2007
Min-On Sponsors Japan Tour of Madagascar Artists
The fifth installment of the Min-On Concert Association's "A Musical Voyage Across Africa," launched 1999, will feature the music and dance of the Republic of Madagascar, a colorful, exotic island country off the southeastern coast of Africa. The tour, which kicked off in mid-August 2007, will take the Madagascar artists ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 15 2007
Soka Gakkai Youth Pay Their Respects to Victims of War
On August 15, 2007, the 62nd anniversary of the end of World War II, Soka Gakkai youth held their 35th annual prayer for world peace and memorial for victims of war at the Soka Culture Center in Shinanomachi, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Youth division representatives offered solemn prayers for the respose ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 12 2007
UN Ambassador Chowdhury Meets with SGI Youth in Auckland, New Zealand
SGI New Zealand General Director Jimi Wallace presented Ambassador Chowdhury with the SGI-New Zealand Peace Award. In his remarks, Ambassador Chowdhury said he is always energized and encouraged when he works together with SGI members. He also expressed his appreciation for SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's "great" support of the United ... read more
Culture | Aug 11 2007
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum to Open New Wing in 2008
Artist's rendering of TFAM's new wing Construction is underway on a new main wing for the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (TFAM) in Hachioji, Tokyo, with completion scheduled for May 2008 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the museum's founding. The new addition will be three stories high and will stand adjacent ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 9 2007
Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Service for Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims
On August 9, 2007, which marked the 62nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, a World Peace Memorial Service was held at the Soka Gakkai Nagasaki Peace Center. Hibakusha (atomic bomb victims) and bereaved families attended, together with representative Soka Gakkai youth of Nagasaki. Participants offered prayers for all ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 9 2007
SGI's Antinuclear Exhibition Opens at New Zealand Parliament
On August 9, 2007, the SGI's "Creating a Culture of Peace: The Right to Human Security" opened at the New Zealand Parliament's executive wing, known as "The Beehive," in Wellington. The event was cosponsored by SGI-New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs with support from the Peace ... read more
Culture | Aug 9 2007
Singapore National Day Parade Celebrations Include 1,500 SSA Members
On August 9, 2007, Singapore commemorated its 42nd National Day with "Celebrate Singapore: City of Possibilities," a spectacular evening show held at the Marina Bay Floating Stadium, the world's largest floating stage. Some 1,500 Singapore Soka Association (SSA) members performed in the gala celebrations at the invitation of the Singaporean ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 8 2007
Soka Gakkai Youth in Hiroshima Host Lecture on a Nuclear-Free World
On August 8, 2007, Soka Gakkai youth of Hiroshima held the 122nd in a series of "Lectures on Hiroshima" at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Ikeda Peace Hall. The event's featured speaker was Yuki Nakamura, director and coproducer of No More Hiroshima, No More Nagasaki, a documentary featuring nuclear holocaust survivors ... read more
Culture | Aug 8 2007
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Participates in Kuching City Day Parade
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) members, together with 42 other units, helped kick off the 19th Kuching City Day month-long celebrations that began with a grand parade on August 4, 2007, in Kuching, Sarawak State. Some 100 local SGM members participated in the event at the invitation of Kuching City. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 6 2007
Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Renews Nuclear Abolition Pledge
On August 6, 2007, on the 62nd anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Soka Gakkai members hosted a memorial service at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall in solemn remembrance of victims of the atomic bombing and all those who lost their lives in war. Atomic bomb survivors, their families ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 5 2007
SGI Youth in Hong Kong and Macau Participate in Summer Activities
On August 4 and 5, 2007, SGI-Hong Kong student division members attended a summer training course at the SGI-Hong Kong Grand Culture Center. Participants studied Buddhist concepts of "good and evil" and the life condition of Asura, or "anger," as well as the role of the United Nations in contemporary ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 5 2007
Hiroshima Women's Peace Committee Sponsors A-Bomb Experience Rally
Soka Gakkai members in Hiroshima have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to creating a network of peace and communicating "the heart of Hiroshima." On August 5, 2007, the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Women's Peace Committee sponsored a hibakusha experience rally at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall. Ayako Kozuka, an A-bomb survivor, shared ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 4 2007
Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa Youth Hold Annual Peace Summit
On August 4, 2007, Soka Gakkai Youth Peace Conference (YPC) representatives from Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa held their annual joint peace summit at the Soka Gakkai Nagasaki Peace Hall. The event opened with prayers for all victims of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and of the Pacific War, ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 31 2007
SGI-USA's New Territories Hold Kickoff Meetings
Following SGI-USA's implementation in June 2007 of a new organizational structure consisting of three large geographical territories that will provide more direct support for its many volunteer leaders, SGI-USA members have been convening to celebrate the new start in their respective territories--East, Central and West. On July 1, 2007, the East ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 31 2007
SGI-Philippines Celebrates Young Men's Division Day
During July, the SGI-Philippines Young Men's Division (YMD) held meetings throughout the country to commemorate the YMD's establishment on July 11, 1952. In a congratulatory message sent for the occasion, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda stressed how important it was to be courageous to lead a victorious life and contribute to ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 29 2007
SGI Latin American Youth Commemorate Anniversaries
In the Dominican Republic, 500 young women, half of whom were guests, commemorated the YWD anniversary at the SGI-Dominican Republic Culture Center on July 22. Following a skit and a fife-and-drum corps performance, YWD Leader Noriko Tamate encouraged everyone to support one another and strive based on the humanistic ... read more
Education | Jul 29 2007
Psychologist Gives Talk on Positive Parenting at Malaysia Soka Kindergarten
On July 29, 2007, Tadika Seri Soka, the Soka kindergarten in Cheras, Selangor State, Malaysia, invited Dr. Alvin Ng, a lecturer in the Health Psychology Unit of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, to give a talk on "Positive Parenting and Managing Behavior in Children" to an audience of over 100 parents whose ... read more
Culture | Jul 29 2007
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Boys and Girls Stage "Cherry Tree the Musical" in Selangor State
On July 22, 28 and 29, 2007, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor Branch hosted "Cherry Tree the Musical" performed by 200 boys and girls at the SGM Selangor Culture Centre in Klang. Around 2,700 attended, including friends and family, as well as Selangor State Executive Councillor Kamala Ganapathy, Klang Municipal ... read more
Culture | Jul 29 2007
SGI-USA New York Zone Southeast Asia Festival Opens Gateway to Peace in the Community
"Cultural Activities transcends differences in nationality and social systems. It awakens deep human emotions which then spread outward to touch the hearts and minds of others." So said SGI-USA Filipino Group National Coordinator Maria Feingold at SGI-USA New York Zone's first Southeast Asia Festival on July 29, 2007. More than ... read more
Culture | Jul 27 2007
Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 35th Anniversary of Sino-Japan Relations
On July 27, 2007, the Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphony Orchestra held a concert commemorating the 35th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese bilateral relations at the Osaka Central Public Hall in Nakanoshima and the 50th anniversary of a historic Soka Gakkai gathering held in the same hall on ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jul 23 2007
Soka Gakkai Doctors and Nurses Provide Free Medical Care to Quake Victims
Relief and rescue efforts continue in Niigata Prefecture in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake measuring around 6.8 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 that hit the northwestern coast of Japan on July 16, 2007. The death toll stood at 11 on July 23. Several thousand evacuees are ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 17 2007
SGI-USA Inaugurates Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series in New York with Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury
On July 17, 2007, at the New York Culture Center, former UN Under-Secretary-General Anwarul K. Chowdhury delivered the inaugural lecture for SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series. The lecture series aims to engage young and old in dialogues on the values, attitudes, and behaviors that reject violence and inspire ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jul 17 2007
Soka Gakkai Initiates Relief Efforts Following Earthquake in Niigata Prefecture
On the morning of July 16, 2007, a powerful earthquake hit Niigata Prefecture, centered on the Chuetsu Coast in northwestern Japan. Measuring upper 6 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the temblor left at least 11 dead and injured more than 1,000, while ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 15 2007
SGI Youth in Peru and Ecuador Hold Commemorative Meetings
On July 15, 2007, SGI-Peru young women's division (YWD) members celebrated July 19, YWD Day, at the SGI-Peru Culture Center in Lima. Following a speech by Youth Division Leader Juan Fuentes and members' experiences of practicing Nichiren Buddhism, the young women's fife-and-drum corps performed SGI songs. Vice YWD Leader Nancy ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 15 2007
SGI-Brazil Youth Expand Friendship through Dialogue
In 2005, BSGI youth launched their "One Million Amigos-Amigas Campaign," an effort to spread understanding of Nichiren Buddhism and the BSGI in their local communities through dialogue and friendship. By the following year, they had met and conversed with 1.5 million people, surpassing their original goal by 50%. Then from ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 15 2007
SGI-New Zealand Women Learn About Tapping "Boundless Life" from Within
On July 14, the participants studied the tenets of Nichiren Buddhism that focus on inner transformation and the unity of "many in body and one in mind" -- keys to tapping the innate, boundless life force within each person. They learned that the Chinese characters for "many in body and ... read more
Interfaith | Jul 12 2007
SGI Representatives Attend International Socio-Religious Conference in Havana, Cuba
From July 10-12, 2007, SGI-Mexico General Director Roberto Rios and Youth Division Chief Daisuke Inoue represented the SGI and the Buddhist worldview at the Fifth International Meeting on Socio-Religious Studies at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) in Havana, Cuba. The conference was sponsored by the Department ... read more
Culture | Jul 12 2007
Russian Children's Dance Troupe and Folk Ensemble Participate in Min-On's Free School Concerts
From July 5-12, 2007, the Russian Dance Theater "Ozorniki" and Folk Ensemble "Galaktika" combined for a ten-concert tour of Hyogo, Osaka, Nagano, Niigata and Ishikawa Prefectures in Japan at the invitation of the Min-On Concert Association. During their tour, Ozorniki & Galaktika visited two schools as a part of Min-On's ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 11 2007
SGI-Europe Summer Courses Begin in Trets, France
The annual SGI-Europe summer courses kicked off this year with 160 men's and women's division representatives from 21 European countries gathering at the SGI-Europe Training Center in Trets, France, from July 7-11, 2007. On July 7, SGI representatives from Germany, UK and Italy shared experiences of practicing and applying the ... read more
Education | Jul 8 2007
Taiwan Soka Association Students Hold Summer Camps for Elementary Students in Remote Areas
"Soka Joy Summer Camps," educational support programs initiated by the Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) student division, were held again this year in three municipalities located in remote mountainous areas and islands off Taiwan where children are not able to receive a thorough elementary education. Basing their activities on SGI President ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 7 2007
Singapore Soka Association Celebrates 40th Anniversary
On July 7, 2007, Singapore Soka Association (SSA) celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Youth Festival at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Various SSA cultural groups and volunteer staff numbering 2,500 drew on their unique talents to put on a spectacular show for an audience of 10,500. The festival began with ... read more
Interfaith | Jul 7 2007
Second Interfaith Discourse Between Islam and Buddhism Held in Malaysia
On July 7, 2007, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) and the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association cosponsored a second Islam and Buddhism interfaith exchange, entitled "A Discourse on Islam and Buddhism," at the Wisma Kebudayaan SGM Center in Kuala Lumpur. The first exchange was held on August 5, 2006. Dr. Wang Yong ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 1 2007
SGI-Cambodia Youth Pledge to Advance Peace
On July 1, 2007, SGI-Cambodia held its first national youth division leaders' meeting at the SGI-Cambodia Culture Center in Phnom Penh. Some 200 representatives gathered from around the country to commemorate the second anniversary of the formation of the SGI-Cambodia young men's division (YMD) and young women's division (YWD). Following ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 1 2007
SGI-Paraguay Women Hold General Meetings
During June 2007, approximately 700 SGI-Paraguay women met for general meetings with the theme, "Protagonists of Happiness," at 37 venues throughout the country. Many guests and friends attended the meetings, which brimmed with spontaneity and warmth. The gatherings included musical performances and inspiring episodes of how the SGI-Paraguay women "protagonists" ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 30 2007
SGI-Nepal Conducts Buddhist Seminar; SGI-Sri Lanka Holds Study Exams
On June 30, 2007, SGI-Nepal members gathered for a seminar on Buddhism in Pokhara, located around 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Participants studied the Buddhist concepts of "repaying one's debt of gratitude" and "earthly desires are enlightenment." The program also included a study of the core Buddhist principle of the ... read more
Culture | Jun 30 2007
SGI-Germany Sponsors International Children's Art Exhibition
From June 1-30, 2007, SGI-Germany sponsored the SGI's "World Boys and Girls Art Exhibition" at Mörfelden-Walldorf City Hall in western Germany. The first floor displayed 89 drawings and paintings by schoolchildren from nearby kindergartens and schools, while the second floor displayed 60 works by children from around the world. Related ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 29 2007
Lotus Sutra Exhibition in Macau Conveys Timeless Spiritual Message
From June 22-29, 2007, "The Flowering of the Lotus Along the Silk Road" exhibition was held at the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden in Macau. Previously held in Hong Kong as "The Lotus Sutra--A Message of Peace and Harmonious Coexistence," the exhibition displays a rare collection of artifacts and calligraphic and ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 28 2007
SGI Women Around the World Celebrate Women's Division Day
Members of the SGI women's division around the world commemorated June 10, Women's Division Day, during May and June 2007. A meeting on one of the Philippine islands In the Philippines, 21,000 women, of whom 16,000 were guests, assembled at 1,081 venues throughout the country to commemorate May 10, SGI-Philippines Women's ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 25 2007
Youth Religious Consultative Group Created by Italian Government Ministries Meets with SGI Italy Youth
The Italian Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Youth Affairs have created a youth religious consultative group to cooperate with and advise the two ministries on religious, multicultural and multiethnic affairs. The consultative group has been meeting with its various component religious groups. On June 25, 2007, the ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 24 2007
SGI-USA Advances with New Leadership and Nationwide Organization
At nationwide leaders' teleconferences on June 14 and 24, 2007, SGI-USA announced the implementation of a new organizational structure that consists of three large territories--East, Central and West. In a country as vast as the United States, it is extremely difficult to coordinate activities from one location. For SGI-USA to ... read more
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