3/5
Founding of the Men’s Division
In 1966, 750 representative Soka Gakkai members gathered with Ikeda Sensei at the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Tokyo to mark the establishment of the men’s division. Sensei expressed his expectations of the men: “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
Founding of the Academic and Arts Department
In 1962, anticipating the creation of a century of culture, 20 members gathered alongside Sensei for the founding of the Academic and Arts Department. (See NHR-13, “Shining Citadel” chapter)
3/11
Anniversary of the Otaru Debate
In 1955, the Soka Gakkai engaged Nichiren Shu, a sect of Buddhism that tarnished Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings after his passing, in debate at the Otaru Civic Auditorium in Hokkaido to determine the validity of their teachings. Ikeda 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
65th Anniversary of Kosen-rufu Day
In 1958, 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 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)
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