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This Month in Soka Gakkai History (May)

Photo by Gerry Hall.

5/3

Soka Gakkai Day

In 1951, Josei Toda was inaugurated as second Soka Gakkai president and declared his lifetime membership goal of 750,000 households. On May 3, 1960, 32-year-old Daisaku Ikeda was inaugurated as third Soka Gakkai president, vowing to advance kosen-rufu on his mentor’s behalf.  (See The Human Revolution, “Blazing Sun” chapter and “New Dawn” chapter) 

35 Years Since the Establishment of Soka Gakkai Mother’s Day  

Soka mothers are celebrated every year on May 3 since it was designated as Soka Gakkai Mother’s Day in 1988 at Ikeda Sensei’s proposal.

Soka University of America Opens  

In 2001, Soka University of America opened its campus in Aliso Viejo, California. (See The New Human Revolution, vol. 15, “Soka University” chapter) 

5/5

Soka Gakkai Successors Day  

In 1976, Sensei announced at a future division meeting that this day be designated Soka Gakkai Successors Day.

Toynbee-Ikeda Dialogues Begin  

In 1972, dialogues between Sensei and eminent historian Arnold J. Toynbee began at Mr. Toynbee’s home in London. The following year in May, they met again. Their dialogues were published as the book Choose Life. (See NHR-16, “Dialogue” chapter)  

5/19

Anniversary of the Soka Gakkai Kosen-rufu Gohonzon  

The Soka Gakkai Kosen-rufu Gohonzon was inscribed in response to the request of second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda on his inauguration day in 1951. (See The Human Revolution, “Blazing Sun” chapter) 

5/30

Sensei’s First Visit to China 

In 1974, at the invitation of the China-Japan Friendship Association, Sensei visited China for the first time to foster ties through educational and cultural exchange. (See NHR-20, “Path of Friendship” chapter)

May 3, 2023, World Tribune, p. 4

A Society That Shines With Respect for the Dignity of Life

Daisaku Ikeda, Veteran Advocate, Urges G7 Leaders to Move Toward No First Use of Nuclear Weapons