All News
Education | Dec 27 2010
Soka Gakkai Educational Counseling Centers in Review
During 2010, more than 7,000 people visited the Soka Gakkai Educational Counseling Centers (SGECC) run by the Soka Gakkai Education Department. Since the establishment of its first center in 1968, more than 360,000 individuals, including students and their parents, have received counseling. The centers were started at the suggestion of SGI President ... read more
Culture | Dec 19 2010
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Soka Renaissance Vanguard Wins National Competition
From December 18-19, five Soka Gakkai drum and bugle corps participated in the 38th All-Japan Marching Band and Baton Twirling Contest, sponsored by the Japan Marching Band & Baton Twirling Association at the Saitama Super Arena. The Soka Renaissance Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps won the Prime Minister's Cup (top ... read more
Sustainable Development | Dec 18 2010
"Seeds of Change" Shown in Brighton, UK
At the request of Alicia Jimenez, the project coordinator of the Earth Charter International Secretariat in Costa Rica, SGI-UK organized a showing of the joint SGI and Earth Charter exhibition "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential" at the University of Brighton, UK, from December 16-18. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Dec 15 2010
"Transforming the Human Spirit" Shown at School of Medicine in Mexico
The SGI exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" (THS) was on display at Mexico's National Polytechnic Institute's (IPN) School of Medicine from December 1-15. The opening ceremony took place on December 1, in conjunction with a conference with Mexico's Ministry of Health ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 12 2010
SGI-Peru Holds Fifth National Leaders Meeting
SGI-Peru held its fifth national leaders meeting at the Peru Culture Center in Lima on December 12. Some 800 attended the gathering, at which SGI-Peru's young men's brass band and young women's fife-and-drum corps performed. An SGI-Peru youth shared his resolution to support his peers in developing their capability. Several SGI-Peru ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 5 2010
New Commemorative Hall Opens at Soka Gakkai Malaysia's Grand Culture Centre
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) held a festival commemorating the 80th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding on December 5, at the SGM Headquarters in Cheras, Selangor. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a message congratulating members on their meeting and shared his hope that SGM members always value a spirit of creating harmony. SGI ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 4 2010
Soka Gakkai Academic Department Hosts Symposium on History of SGI
The Soka Gakkai Academic Department hosted a symposium at the Japan Youth Hall on December 4, in Tokyo, Japan. Presentations at the event focused on how SGI's various activities are perceived around the world. Among the scholars who spoke were Dr. Daisuke Inoue from Soka University of Japan, Professor Akira Kawabata ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 3 2010
Symposium on "Modern Civilization and Philosophy" and Lotus Sutra Exhibition Held in Brazil
The Brazilian Academy of Philosophy and the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) held a joint symposium on "Modern Civilization and Philosophy" at the Brazilian Academy of Philosophy of Rio de Janeiro on December 1-2, 2010. Guests at the opening ceremony included Academy President João Ricardo Moderno and former Minister of Culture ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 30 2010
Buddhist Meetings Held in Africa
On September 25, SGI-Cambodia held its 10th General Meeting at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh. ... read more
Culture | Nov 30 2010
SGI-Togo Members Hold Cultural Festival
During November, SGI-Togo youth, who make up more than half of the organization's membership, held a culture festival at the SGI-Togo Center in Lome. ... read more
Sustainable Development | Nov 28 2010
SGI Representatives Visit the Amazon Ecological Conservation Center in Manaus, Brazil
A ceremony was held on the grounds of the SGI-Brazil (BSGI) Amazon Ecological Conservation Center (AECC) in Manaus, Brazil, on November 27, to commemorate BSGI's movement for peace over the past 50 years. The event included seed plantings of Brazil's national flower, the Ipê-amarelo. Guests included Brazilian poet Amedeu Thiago ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 28 2010
SGI-Cambodia Youth Organize Peace Seminar and "Victory Over Violence" Exhibition at Local High School
SGI-Cambodia youth organized a seminar devoted to peace at the Jayavarman VII High School in Kandal Province on November 28. ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 28 2010
Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai Holds General Meeting
On November 28, Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai (BSG) members held a general meeting at the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden outside New Delhi, India. In all, 1,300 gathered, including SGI members from Nepal and Sri Lanka. Representing all the youth, BSG youth leaders shared their determination to deepen their understanding of Nichiren's ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 28 2010
SGI-Russia Young Women Commemorate the Founding of Soka Gakkai
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai's founding, young women from SGI-Russia held a commemorative meeting in Moscow on November 28. At the meeting the women refreshed their determinations to work for the peace and happiness of humanity. [Adapted from an article in the December 26, 2010, issue ... read more
Culture | Nov 28 2010
Culture Festivals Held in Panama and Chile
Over two days on November 20 and 21, SGI-Panama members put on a culture festival celebrating the 80th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding, at the SGI-Panama Culture Center in Panama City. Some 2,400 gathered from surrounding provinces such as Chiriquí and Veragaus and from the city of Colón. The festival ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 28 2010
SGI Members in the UK and Japan Take Buddhist Study Exams
On November 14, hundreds of SGI-UK members participated in Buddhist study exams at SGI-UK centers and local venues throughout the country. Every year, the SGI-UK Buddhist Study Exam offers participants opportunities to study Nichiren's writings in depth and deepen their understanding of Buddhism. This year marked the seventh year of such ... read more
Sustainable Development | Nov 27 2010
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Joins "Green Consumers" Campaign
Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Johor, in collaboration with the Johor state Economic Planning Unit and the Ministry of Tourism in Malaysia, organized a "Green Consumers" campaign on November 27 at the SGM Johor Culture Center. The event was created to raise awareness on the issue of environmental protection in the community. ... read more
Education | Nov 23 2010
SGI Takes Part in Frankfurt Book Fair and Organizes Book Exhibition in Japan
SGI took part in the world's oldest and largest book fair in Frankfurt, Germany, from October 6-10. This year marks SGI's eighth year of participation in the event. Over 7,500 publishing companies from 111 countries set up stands, and visitors totaled approximately 280,000. The book fair features a "guest of honor" ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 23 2010
Institute of Oriental Philosophy UK Hosts Lotus Sutra Event at the British Library
On November 23, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, UK, hosted a special event at the British Library to mark the publication of a facsimile edition of a Sanskrit Lotus Sutra Manuscript, which is held in the library's archives. Originating from Nepal, this document was used for collating the first critical ... read more
Press Releases | Nov 22 2010
SGI President Awarded 300th Academic Honor from University of Massachusetts Boston
TOKYO, Nov 22: Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist association and founder of Soka University, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from the University of Massachusetts Boston at a ceremony held in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on November 21. This brings to 300 the total ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 21 2010
Soka Gakkai's Anniversary Celebrated at University of Hamburg
In celebration of Soka Gakkai's 80th anniversary, 1,500 SGI-Germany members gathered at the University of Hamburg on November 21. Professor Ulrich Dehn, a religious scholar at the university, spoke at the event, as well as Goethe scholar Manfred Osten from the Weimar Goethe Institute, Germany. [Dr. Osten and SGI President ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 21 2010
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SGI Members Around the World Celebrate Soka Gakkai's Founding
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding (November 18, 1930), SGI-Kenya held a meeting in the city of Kisumu from November 20-21. Guests included SGI members who had traveled all the way from Uganda. In Sierra Leone, some 150 SGI members commemorated the day by hosting a discussion ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 19 2010
SGI-USA Cosponsors Lecture by Former UN Under-Secretary-General Chowdhury at Lehigh University
On November 16, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Anwarul K. Chowdhury spoke as part of Lehigh University's Distinguished Lecture Series in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The event was cosponsored by SGI-USA along with several other peace organizations. In conjunction with the lecture, the SGI antinuclear exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 18 2010
Ikeda Hall Opens in Seoul, Korea
SGI-Korea's new center, named Ikeda Hall, opened on November 18 in Seoul, South Korea. The building's debut coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai's founding. The new structure's main hall can seat 2,500 and in addition to offices, has rooms suited for exhibitions and conferences. Special multi-purpose rooms ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 14 2010
SGI-Austria Hosts Youth Friendship Meeting in Vienna
On November 14, SGI-Austria youth members welcomed guests to their youth friendship general meeting held at the SGI-Austria Culture Center in Vienna. Some 150 attended. The gathering included a visual presentation of SGI's history and its various movements to promote peace, culture and education, as well as a choir performance. [Adapted from ... read more
Culture | Nov 14 2010
Culture Festivals Held in Luxembourg and Belgium
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai, SGI-Luxembourg and Belgium held culture festivals in November. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 14 2010
Nobel Peace Laureates Speak at Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Lecture Series
Soka Gakkai Hiroshima youth members sponsored a Hiroshima Study Lecture Series on November 13 and 14 at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Ikeda Peace Memorial Hall. Three lectures were held in conjunction with the 11th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates which took place at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park from ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 13 2010
SGI General Meetings Held on Portuguese Islands
On November 13, SGI members from the city of Funchal on Madeira Island, Portugal, held their first general meeting, which also commemorated the 80th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding. SGI-Portugal Young Women's Leader Joana Craveiro gave a presentation on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's series of books titled The New Human ... read more
Culture | Nov 13 2010
Soka Gakkai Women Take Part in Cultural Exchanges in China
The All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) invited representative Soka Gakkai women to attend China-Japan cultural exchanges in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian and Shanghai from November 7-13. The visit marked the sixth such exchange between Soka Gakkai and ACWF. On November 8, the Soka Gakkai representatives visited ACWF headquarters where they met with Zou ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 6 2010
Ikeda Forum Explores the Development of the Democratic Spirit
On November 6, the Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, held its seventh Ikeda Forum, on how to further develop the democratic spirit. Drawing inspiration from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's remarks on democracy, found in his message commemorating the first Commencement ceremony of Soka University of ... read more
Culture | Nov 6 2010
Cultural Festival Commemorating 80th Anniversary Held in Japan
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding, a cultural festival was held in conjunction with an SGI General Meeting at the monthly Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting at the Soka University Memorial Auditorium in Hachioji, Tokyo, on November 3. The festival included a video presentation of Soka Gakkai's 80-year movement ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 4 2010
Representative SGI Members from Africa Meet in Tokyo
On November 4, nineteen SGI-members from 12 African countries, who were visiting Japan for the annual SGI Fall Training Session, held a conference with Soka Gakkai representatives at the Soka Culture Center in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. Representative leaders from Japan included Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada, SGI General Director Yoshitaka Oba ... read more
Press Releases | Nov 4 2010
Soka Gakkai Buddhist Association Celebrates 80 Years of Empowerment for Peace
TOKYO, Nov. 4: The Soka Gakkai Buddhist association celebrated its 80th anniversary with a commemorative meeting in Tokyo, Japan, on November 3, 2010, attended by around 5,000 people, including 250 members of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) representing 65 countries and territories. At the meeting, orchestral, choral and other musical performances were ... read more
Sustainable Development | Nov 3 2010
"Seeds of Hope" Exhibition Shown at Earth Charter +10 Conference in India
SGI representatives from Japan and India joined a conference on an "Ethical Framework for a Sustainable World" in Ahmedabad, India, from November 1-3. The event, held at the headquarters of India's renowned Centre for Environmental Education (CEE), attracted 500 participants from around India and the world to celebrate the 10th ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 2 2010
Culture of Peace Exhibition Shown in Hokkaido, Miyagi and Kanagawa
Soka Gakkai's "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" exhibition opened in Hokkaido, Miyagi and Kanagawa, Japan, on October 29. In Miyagi, the exhibition was shown in the town of Wakayanagi until October 31. Midori Miura, executive chair of the exhibition committee, and Chieko Sugawara, president of ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 2 2010
Founding of Soka Activity Support Groups Commemorated
SGI-Canada members held meetings in their respective areas in commemoration of the November 2, 1976, founding of the SGI's Soka Group--a young men's activity support group. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a heartfelt message asking the youthful Soka Group members in Canada to always maintain a "Never Be Defeated" spirit. Soka ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 1 2010
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SGI's People's Decade Website Given New Design and Expanded
The People's Decade for Nuclear Abolition campaign website has been renewed recently. The campaign, launched by SGI in 2007, aims to build a global solidarity within civil society working for abolition of nuclear weapons. The purpose of this renewal is to facilitate ease of access, learning and participation. Some of the ... read more
Human Rights | Oct 31 2010
"21st Century Human Rights Exhibition of Hope" Shown in Yamanashi and Shiga Prefectures, Japan
Soka Gakkai's "21st Century Human Rights Exhibition of Hope--You Are Invaluable" was shown in Yamanashi Prefecture from September 29 to October 3, and in Shiga Prefecture from October 26-31. On display were original autographed documents and letters written by human rights pioneers such as Eleanor Roosevelt, renowned first lady of the ... read more
Education | Oct 28 2010
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Campinas City Honors SGI-Brazil
Campinas City, Brazil, honored SGI-Brazil with its Diploma of Merit for the organization's contributions to advancing peace and promoting human rights. At an awards ceremony held on October 28, SGI-Brazil also received the Darcy Ribeiro Educational Merit Award on behalf of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda for his efforts to promote ... read more
Education | Oct 28 2010
The Institute of Oriental Philosophy Holds Lecture on Mind-Body Relationship
The Institute of Oriental Philosophy hosted its first lecture in a new series titled "Key Issues in Modern Science-Life, the Brain and the Mind" at the Japan Youth Center's International Hall in Tokyo, on October 15. Professor Yoshimichi Saito from Keio University spoke about the mind-brain relationship from a phenomenological perspective. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Oct 26 2010
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School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Hosts SGI Peace Exhibition
The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, hosted SGI's anti-nuclear weapons exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" on October 25 and 26. The exhibition coincided with the 5th London Conference on a Middle East Weapons of Mass ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Oct 26 2010
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Soka Gakkai Members Participate in Relief Activities in Amami, Japan
Record rainfall hit the Amami islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, starting October 20, causing extensive damage to the area. In response, over 100 Soka Gakkai members from Amami and throughout Kyushu gathered at the Soka Gakkai Amami Oshima Culture Center to organize volunteer efforts. In addition to helping clean ... read more
Education | Oct 26 2010
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Singapore Soka Association Youth Volunteer at Chinese Primary Schools
From October 10-26, a team of 17 Singapore Soka Association (SSA) youth volunteers took part in a 17-day Youth Expedition Project (YEP), in collaboration with Mercy Relief in Singapore, providing aid to the Changzhi Primary and Xi Jiao Primary Schools of the Changzhi Township in Shanxi Province, China. Named "Project Shine ... read more
Culture | Oct 24 2010
SGI-Paraguay Holds Culture Festival
On October 24, in the city of Asunción, SGI-Paraguay held a culture festival full of dance, folk songs and drum performances in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai's establishment (November 18, 1930). The festival drew some 2,000 and included guests such as Dr. Roberto Elías Canese, rector ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 24 2010
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SGI-Denmark Young Women Hold Training Course
Young women of SGI-Denmark held a training session in Asnas, Denmark, from October 22-24, where they were able to further their understanding of Buddhism. In particular, study and discussion focused on the concept of "true benefit" as expounded in Nichiren Buddhism. Participants left the session expressing their determination to live ... read more
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