This Month in Soka Gakkai History (July)

7/3

Mentor and Disciple Day

In 1945, Josei Toda, then-Soka Gakkai general director, was released from prison after being incarcerated for two years for refusing to forsake his faith, violating the wartime Peace Preservation Law. On the same day in 1957, a young Daisaku Ikeda, then-youth division chief of staff, was arrested by the Osaka Prefectural Police on false charges of violating election campaigning laws. On Jan. 25, 1962, he was acquitted of all charges. (See The Human Revolution, “Dawn” and “Osaka” chapters; and The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, “Lion” chapter)

7/6

80 Years Since the Persecution of Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda

In 1943, Japan’s militarist government arrested Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda for violating the Peace Preservation Law and lèse-majesté. The following year on Nov. 18, Mr. Makiguchi passed away in prison at the age of 73. (See The Human Revolution, “Dawn” chapter)

7/8

Byakuren Group Established

In 1966, Ikeda Sensei gave the name “Byakuren” to the young women supporting Soka Gakkai activities behind the scenes. This was announced in the July 8, 1966, Seikyo Shimbun, establishing it as an official training group. (See NHR-24, “Vigilant Safeguarding” chapter)

7/11

Young Men’s Division Established

In 1951, some 100 young men gathered with newly inaugurated Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda at the former Soka Gakkai Headquarters building, establishing the young men’s division. (See The Human Revolution, “Overwhelming Joy” chapter)

7/12+17

Tokyo and Osaka Rallies

The Tokyo Rally was held on July 12, 1957, in response to Sensei’s unjust arrest on July 3. The Osaka Rally was held on July 17, where members celebrated his release from jail the same day. (See The Human Revolution, “Osaka” chapter; and NHR-5, “Lion” chapter)

7/19

Young Women’s Division Established

In 1951, 74 young women gathered with President Toda at the former Soka Gakkai Headquarters building for the inaugural meeting of the young women’s division. (See The Human Revolution, “Overwhelming Joy” chapter)

7/22

Fife and Drum Corps Established

In 1956, the young women’s Fife and Drum Corps was founded with 33 members. (See NHR-14, “Mission” chapter)

July 14, 2023, World Tribune, p. 4