3/5
Men’s Division Founding Day
In 1966, 750 representatives gathered with Ikeda Sensei at the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Tokyo, marking the establishment of the men’s division. On that occasion, Sensei said: “Become golden pillars supporting the citadel of Soka. … If the men’s division develops remarkably and establishes a solid framework for kosen-rufu, our organization will remain secure forever” (The New Human Revolution, vol. 10, revised edition, pp. 301–02).
3/8
60 Years of the Academic and Arts Department
In 1962, in anticipation of creating a century of culture, 20 members gathered alongside Sensei for the founding of the Academic and Arts Department (see NHR-13, revised edition, “Shining Citadel” chapter).
3/11
67th Anniversary of the Otaru Debate
In 1955, the Soka Gakkai engaged Nichiren Shu in debate at the Otaru Civic Auditorium in Hokkaido to determine the truth or falsity of the two groups’ respective teachings. Sensei, then-youth division chief of staff, emceed with poise and conviction, setting the stage for the Soka Gakkai’s decisive victory (see The Human Revolution, “Spark” and “Otaru Debate” chapter).
3/16
Kosen-rufu Day
The year following the achievement of his lifetime membership goal of 750,000 households, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda proposed to the young Daisaku Ikeda, “Let’s conduct a ceremony that will serve as a trial run—a dress rehearsal—for kosen-rufu in preparation for the future.” Six thousand youth gathered on March 16, 1958, to realize this grand ceremony of kosen-rufu. On that occasion, Mr. Toda entrusted kosen-rufu to the youth, declaring with a lion’s roar: “The Soka Gakkai is the king of the religious world!” (see The Human Revolution, “Successors” chapter).
Adapted from the Feb. 19, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun.
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