Ikeda Sensei’s serialized novel The New Human Revolution chronicles the history of the Soka Gakkai following his inauguration in 1960 as its third president. It carries practical guidance on how to expand our movement for kosen-rufu and hundreds of experiences of inner transformation. Sensei appears in the novel as Shin’ichi Yamamoto. The following takes place in 1978.
Installment 10
Installment 20
Installment 30
Installment 40
Installment 1
A resolute spirit gives rise to resolute action.
As wave upon wave eventually erodes rock, persistent, tireless effort makes history.
The Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) wrote: “All our actions proceed from faith.”[1]
The flame of joy burns bright and proud in the hearts of those who are aware of their mission and work courageously to realize it, their days full of vitality and satisfaction.
Shin’ichi Yamamoto kept working, striving and fighting.
He returned from his fourth visit to China on the evening of September 20, 1978. On September 21, he gave interviews about his trip to several media outlets and busied himself writing articles that some newspapers and magazines had requested.
On the 22nd, he took a break from writing to meet with the newly assigned chief priest of a Nichiren Shoshu temple in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. To protect the Soka Gakkai members, Shin’ichi always treated members of the priesthood with utmost sincerity and respect.
On September 23, he attended and offered guidance at a headquarters leaders meeting at the Tachikawa Culture Center in Tokyo. The following day, he traveled to Shizuoka Prefecture, where he reported to Nichiren Shoshu High Priest Nittatsu on his visit to China. He then held an informal meeting with members from the local Fujinomiya area.
It was not unusual for Shin’ichi to attend four or five meetings a day to encourage members. For example, on September 25, he spoke with members he encountered around the headquarters in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, including visitors to the nearby Seikyo Shimbun Building. That evening, he attended meetings for members from Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Setagaya and Shibuya Wards (held respectively at the Shinjuku Culture Center, the Soka Culture Center Kosen-rufu Hall and the Soka Culture Center Bodhisattvas of the Earth Hall). He also attended a Shinjuku young women’s division gongyo session (at the Soka Gakkai No. 2 Annex). At each of these events, he gave his all to encouraging the participants.
With kosen-rufu steadily advancing, the sun of Soka was beginning to shine around the world. As a result, devilish functions had gathered like dark clouds and repeatedly attacked the Soka Gakkai. Shin’ichi vowed to protect the members at all costs.
Installment 2
Shin’ichi was keenly aware that creating a solid trend toward world peace was part of his mission in this lifetime. So he continued to engage in dialogues with world thinkers and leaders.
On September 27, he met with a delegation from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which included Zhou Peiyuan, the president of Peking University. And on the 28th, he met with Britain’s ambassador to Japan, Michael Wilford, and his wife, Joan Law. On the 29th, he met with Gerhard Olschowy, a University of Bonn professor emeritus.
As the founder of Soka University and the Soka schools, Shin’ichi also attended as many of their events as he could.
At the opening ceremony for the Soka University Sports Day on September 30, he encouraged the students to forge wisdom as bright as the sun and bodies as strong as steel. At the closing ceremony, he urged them to hone their wisdom and build their character. He also played table tennis with exchange students from China, after which he talked to them about the best way to live, saying that a person’s humble character reveals their greatness. The following day, October 1, Shin’ichi attended Tokyo Soka Elementary School’s first sports day.
Each day was packed, yet still he asked the top Soka Gakkai leaders: “Are there any other meetings today? Is there anyone I should meet and encourage? Please let me know!”
Constantly in action, he always asked, “What’s next?” “What’s next?” and did everything he could to encourage and guide the members.
At the national prefecture leaders conference on October 5, he said: “Having been born human, what is the greatest happiness we can experience? It is teaching others about the Mystic Law. Those who share Nichiren Buddhism with many others gain immense benefit. There truly is no greater happiness. That’s why I will continue to strive with joy and gratitude as long as I live. I hope that you, too, will have this confidence and conviction.”
Installment 3
He went on to discuss the way of life of those dedicated to kosen-rufu: “The arena for our activities for kosen-rufu is always the real world. Buddhism does not exist apart from society. That’s why we must win in society.
“Toward that end, I hope you will first become people of outstanding character admired by all. With your clear actual proof of human revolution—becoming people everyone likes and trusts—comes the solid development of kosen-rufu. Please keep in mind that we live in a time when character counts most.
“Our deepening faith will reveal itself in our humanity, expressed in words and actions rich in warm care for others. Such humanity will determine the future of kosen-rufu.”
How do we demonstrate the great power of Buddhism? With actual proof. Overcoming illness, financial hardship or problems with human relationships are all wonderful examples of proof. At the same time, only our personal transformation and growth through human revolution can fully prove the validity of Nichiren Buddhism.
Shin’ichi committed himself to fostering new capable people who would shoulder the new age. After the national prefecture leaders conference, he met with men’s and women’s division representatives and spoke at length about the attitude needed to become leaders whose character shines.
“It may seem like a minor detail, but leaders should always be punctual. Never think it’s okay for you to be a little late because you are busy. That’s a form of arrogance and self-indulgence. It will destroy not only your own credibility, but the trust people have in Soka Gakkai leaders.
“You cannot foster capable people from a position of superiority. You can do so only by striving sincerely and sparing no effort to serve the children of the Buddha, the treasures of kosen-rufu. Please always remember this.
“Help members develop in this way and let them participate joyfully in activities, while you ultimately take full responsibility for everything. This is what it means to be a genuine leader.”
Installment 4
In his travels throughout Japan, Shin’ichi had many opportunities to speak with women and others who were the only ones in their families practicing Nichiren Buddhism. One woman told him that her husband had once practiced strongly but no longer participated in activities.
When Shin’ichi asked why, she said it was because of a problem with another member: “He says that during his time in the young men’s division, he was disgusted by the arrogance of one of his leaders.”
Perhaps that person mistakenly believed that his leadership position made him more important than others and thought of his members as subordinates.
The French philosopher Voltaire (1694–1778) observed that arrogance and violence cannot win the hearts of others.[2]
The role of Soka Gakkai leaders is to serve the members, the children of the Buddha, supporting and helping them become happy and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. This must always be how we think of leadership in the Soka Gakkai. Because leaders work hard and take responsibility for kosen-rufu, the benefit and good fortune they gain through their efforts and Buddhist practice are immense.
Another member, troubled because her daughter had stopped doing activities, told Shin’ichi, “She says she stopped because she disliked being told to do activities like introducing others to Nichiren Buddhism when she didn’t understand their point.”
Just being told to take part in Soka Gakkai activities without understanding their purpose can be distressing. That is why we need to take time to talk with people and help them understand. We should explain to them the importance of sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others and what kind of benefits we have gained by doing so.
Once they are satisfied, we should do activities with them, carefully showing how and supporting them so they can accumulate benefits. As they strive in their practice and experience the power of faith, they will be motivated to participate earnestly.
Installment 5
It is important that leaders of kosen-rufu be resolved to enable all members they are responsible for to become happy without fail. They must also interact with them sincerely, one human being to another, and form ties of deep trust. Only with such a foundation will leaders’ encouragement and guidance impact and resonate with members’ hearts.
This holds true not just with Soka Gakkai members but in all human relationships. Only through regular interaction can we build trust and have open dialogue.
When leaders do their utmost to forge beautiful human relationships, kosen-rufu is sure to expand steadily.
In addition, behind every individual who stands up and begins to practice sincerely there are always seniors in faith and fellow members who have consistently encouraged and cared for them.
Countless members attest that they owe who they are today to someone’s sincere encouragement or that a member’s character inspired them to start practicing Nichiren Buddhism.
There is nothing more noble and beautiful than the bonds shared by Soka Gakkai members. Whenever someone suffers from illness or has troubles at work, we offer encouragement, listen to them and pray they will recover or overcome their problems. Our actions arise from our empathy and concern for our friends’ happiness.
Moreover, we don’t reserve our sincere care and concern only for members; we extend it to our neighbors, friends and others in our lives. Indeed, the human solidarity we are creating is becoming a precious treasure for society.
For this reason, it pained Shin’ichi deeply whenever he heard about someone who had stopped practicing because of issues with a leader. So he continued to offer guidance on leaders’ behavior and attitude from various perspectives.
Installment 6
The sun shone through a break in the clouds.
People gathered joyfully at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. Many of the men were tanned and muscular, exuding strength and vitality.
This was the first time most of them had visited the Soka Gakkai Headquarters. Standing at the gate, they looked up at the marble facade of the Soka Culture Center glistening in the sunlight, their smiles dazzling.
The first general meeting of the Outlying Islands Department (present-day Victory Isles Division) would take place in the Kosen-rufu Hall of the Soka Culture Center from 6 p.m., October 7, 1978. The long-awaited general meeting would bring together representatives from about 120 islands, from those in the seas around Hokkaido in the north to the islands of Okinawa in the south.
The first to arrive were 22 members from Naoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea. They had started their journey the night before, taking a ferry and a special express sleeper train to arrive in Tokyo in the morning. They toured the area around the Headquarters while waiting for the meeting to begin.
Two members from Rebun Island off the coast of Hokkaido had departed before noon on October 6, traveling two and a half hours by boat to arrive at Wakkanai on Hokkaido’s northern end, where the season’s first snow was falling. There, they joined three members from Rishiri Island[3] and together took a 9 p.m. express train to Sapporo, which they reached at 6 a.m. on October 7. From there, they boarded a plane to Tokyo, arriving in Shinanomachi around noon.
One woman from Japan’s westernmost island, Yonaguni in Okinawa, attended. The island is only 69 miles from Taiwan, but 319 miles from Naha, Okinawa’s capital. On a clear day, the mountains of Taiwan are visible from the island. Even in October, its weather is tropical with temperatures reaching more than 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
To travel to Tokyo from Yonaguni Island first requires a six-hour ferry ride to Ishigaki Island. There is only one ferry service every four days, and if the seas are rough, the run is canceled. Next is a 75-minute flight to Naha. And then from there, a plane is the fastest way to Tokyo.
Members from these various outlying islands had crossed the sea, filled with eager seeking spirit, and gathered at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in high spirits.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “The great distances these persons traveled are indicative of their devotion” (“Letter to the Mother of Oto,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 1030).
Installment 7
Also on October 7, before the Outlying Islands Department meeting, the First Okinawa Chapter Leaders Meeting took place in the Mentor-Disciple Hall at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters.
Okinawa members strongly hoped that President Yamamoto would visit them again. During his Okinawa guidance tour in February 1974, Shin’ichi also visited the remote islands of Ishigaki and Miyako to encourage the members there. More than four years had passed since then.
Fukuyasu Takami, the Okinawa Prefecture leader, discussed this with the other Okinawa leaders. One said: “From his inauguration up through 1974, President Yamamoto has visited Okinawa seven times. At first, he came every year, but on average he’s come about once every two years. Since our membership has increased in the last four years, we should request that he make his eighth visit soon.”
Takami folded his arms, nodded, and said softly: “Of course, we would like him to visit. We would very much like him to visit . …”
Then, he fell silent. A long pause followed.
Eventually, he resumed in a quiet tone.
“I was just thinking, we say that we want President Yamamoto to visit Okinawa, but is it enough for us to simply wait for him? I think not. President Yamamoto has come here seven times because he cherishes Okinawa. But we’ve somehow taken this for granted, expecting him to come to us.
“There are many countries in the world that President Yamamoto has never visited. Members there may well wish for him to come, but before they ask, they travel to Japan themselves, seeking Nichiren Buddhism and President Yamamoto’s guidance. I’ve heard that members in Africa and Latin America spend years cutting back to save money for the trip and take 10 or 20 days off from work. That seeking spirit is the essence of faith and the true way of disciples, isn’t it?”
Installment 8
Takami’s words grew more impassioned.
“Actually, I’m reflecting deeply on my own attitude. I realize I have lost my seeking spirit and become dependent on President Yamamoto.”
Fixing their eyes on Takami, the other Okinawa leaders nodded.
Tamako Uema, the women’s leader, said: “You’re absolutely right. We should go to him. Why don’t we ask if at least some representatives can have a meeting at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters?
“Of course, there is no guarantee we would be able to see him, considering his busy schedule. But most important, I think, is having a strong spirit to seek our mentor. When we have that attitude, we will be able to understand President Yamamoto’s heart and absorb everything.”
“Yes, yes,” Takami said, vowing to himself: “Nichiren Daishonin writes, ‘One who, on hearing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way’ (“Hell Is the Land of Tranquil Light,” WND-1, 457). President Yamamoto has traveled to Okinawa many times, pouring his heart and soul into offering us guidance. But instead of striving harder in faith and burning with ever-greater seeking spirit, we just sit here waiting for him to return. We must get rid of that lazy attitude!”
Out loud he said with resolve: “Let’s gather at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters! And let’s make a fresh start for Okinawa!”
Everyone’s eyes sparkled.
Takami contacted the Headquarters and arranged for the First Okinawa Chapter Leaders Meeting to be held there before the general meeting for the Outlying Islands Department. Chapter leaders of the second phase of kosen-rufu[4] and youth representatives would attend.
Shin’ichi sent them a message: “Please take utmost care. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing everyone.”
Installment 9
Members who would attend the Outlying Islands Department meeting gathered in Naha and joined up with those going to the Okinawa chapter leaders meeting. They all flew together to Tokyo in the morning. Some outlying islands members had traveled by boat to either Ishigaki or Miyako Island first and then flew to Naha, where they had stayed overnight.
Arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, they boarded five chartered buses, which delivered them to the Soka Gakkai Headquarters shortly after noon.
As they entered the gate to the Soka Gakkai Headquarters carrying their bags, leaders lined up on either side, including vice presidents Susumu Aota and Hisaya Yamamichi, welcomed them with hearty applause.
“Hello! Thank you for coming!”
Their warm greetings dispelled the travelers’ fatigue.
The chapter leaders meeting got underway in the Mentor-Disciple Hall. As they prayed solemnly before the Soka Gakkai Joju Gohonzon,[5] which bears the inscription “For the Fulfillment of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu through the Compassionate Propagation of the Great Law,” everyone vowed to achieve kosen-rufu in Okinawa.
Yumie Fujiya, the Soka Gakkai women’s leader, and vice presidents Hisao Seki and Eisuke Akizuki thanked everyone for making the long journey and congratulated them on their fresh start.
Shin’ichi was at the nearby Soka Women’s Center, which had just opened in June. He had arrived in advance because he wanted to take commemorative photos there with the Okinawa members after their meeting.
When the meeting closed, the leader responsible asked everyone to go to the Soka Women’s Center. The elegant two-story building, with a tan brick tile facade and turquoise roof, was just a few minutes’ walk from the Headquarters.
When the members entered, Shin’ichi greeted them with a big smile.
“Thank you for making the long trip here! I’ve been waiting for you. You have all stood up and worked very hard for kosen-rufu to realize peace in Okinawa. You are Bodhisattvas of the Earth with a noble mission and great champions of kosen-rufu. I greet you with the same respect I would greet the Buddha. This is the proper way to behave, as a human being and as a Buddhist.”
Installment 10
Looking at each member from Okinawa, Shin’ichi continued: “I am overjoyed you took the initiative to come to the Headquarters. We cannot create happiness with a passive attitude, waiting for others to do things for us. With that attitude, if no one helps us, we will end up feeling sorry for ourselves and grow to hate and resent others. This is a cause of unhappiness.
“Nichiren Buddhism is a philosophy of self-reliance, not dependence on others. It empowers us to stand up on our own and open a new way forward. Doesn’t it teach that by changing ourselves, we can change our environment and our society?
“You have all now stood up with that awareness and launched into action. This means that the second phase of kosen-rufu in Okinawa has truly begun. I wholeheartedly celebrate the bright and glorious future that lies ahead for Okinawa. Congratulations! Now, let’s take some pictures to commemorate this occasion. That’s why I asked you here.”
The members divided into four groups for photos. Shin’ichi joined the two groups of women first and then the two groups of men.
Afterward, he said: “You’ll all be attending the Outlying Islands Department general meeting tonight, won’t you?”
“Yes!” everyone responded cheerfully.
“I’ll be there, too, so I’ll see you again then.”
Cheers and happy smiles filled the room.
Shin’ichi left the Soka Women’s Center on foot. Outlying island members were walking around the Headquarters area, and he greeted and welcomed each one he met.
“Thank you for coming from so far away!” “I’ll be at the meeting.” “Hello. What’s your name?”—a brief encounter, a single word of encouragement can become a lifelong source of inspiration. To offer encouragement is to bring light to someone’s heart.
Installment 11
Before the meeting, Shin’ichi met with some women’s division representatives from the outlying islands.
In addition to its four main islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu— Japan had close to 7,000 islands, including Okinawa. Of these, approximately 400 were inhabited.
Shin’ichi shared his thoughts about the outlying islands: “Japan comprises many islands. The country’s development and wealth should not be measured by the prosperity of its big cities but by the happiness and well-being of those living on its remote islands. Whether through public policy or cultural and educational initiatives, I believe it is very important to protect and enhance the livelihoods of people on the remote islands.”
After World War II, Japan experienced remarkable development, especially in major cities, but its remote islands were left far behind. In 1953, the government passed the Remote Islands Development Act to promote the development of outlying islands and improve residents’ quality of life.
The act focused on building ports and roads, schools and medical clinics and installing electricity and simple water-supply systems. Enacted to remain in effect for 10 years, it had been amended and extended several times.
As Japan entered its period of high economic growth [from the mid-1950s through the early 1970s], increased demand for labor on the mainland led to people leaving the islands for jobs in the cities. The depopulation resulted in a marked decline in such industries as fishing and agriculture. In many cases, local areas could not afford to operate the schools and clinics that had been built there. Though the islands now had ports, roads, electricity and water, little had been done to substantially boost local industries. In the end, the islands were forced to rely on public works projects.
The government’s remote island policy focused only on achieving a superficial parity of living standards with the main islands. It lacked a long-term vision and understanding from the perspective of the residents themselves.
Of course, building infrastructure is vital. At the same time, an important role of government is to promote key industries that will enable the islands to become self-reliant by making the most of their unique characteristics.
Installment 12
During his meeting with the women’s division representatives, Shin’ichi listened carefully to their reports.
On many of the islands, it was difficult to make ends meet. A steady stream of people left to find work in the big cities. Despite such challenges, Soka Gakkai members devoted themselves to their Buddhist practice, wishing for people’s happiness and their islands’ prosperity.
Shin’ichi began to speak with a powerful voice: “I am well aware of how hard you have all worked to open the way for kosen-rufu, through sweat and tears. I receive many letters from members living on remote islands. And when I am visiting areas around Japan for meetings, I always try to meet and speak as much as possible with those who have traveled there from outlying islands.
“It is not by chance that you live where you do. You have emerged on your respective islands as Bodhisattvas of the Earth, emissaries of the Buddha whom Nichiren Daishonin has entrusted with realizing kosen-rufu on your island. Children of the Buddha, dispatched by the Buddha, will never be defeated. They will never be unhappy.
“So no matter how hard things are, I ask you to grit your teeth, be strong, be brave, have a big heart and persevere. I regard as true champions, true victors, those who have steadily won people’s trust and paved the way for kosen-rufu on remote islands despite facing opposition to their faith. Their faith is stronger than that of any leader, and they are the great heroes of the Soka Gakkai.
“My reason for attending tonight’s meeting is to praise and commend all of you. That’s my job as president.”
Carrying out kosen-rufu on a remote island is no easy feat. Each island has its own customs, practices and traditions, which have shaped people’s thinking about religion. When people start to join the Soka Gakkai, island residents meet for the first time our vibrant, dynamic religion, which aims to realize happiness for self and others and to improve society. Naturally, this religion doesn’t fit preconceived notions, and misunderstandings and prejudices arise.
Installment 13
These misunderstandings and prejudices grew into an effort to rid the islands of Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai for being incompatible with the islands’ customs, practices and traditions.
In particular, the lower the social position or economic status of those who began practicing, the more intense the hostility and pressure directed at them and the more often it escalated into oppression and harrassment. In some cases, members were ostracized or targeted with violence, their human rights abused.
On an island, there is nowhere to hide. Even if members wished to file a complaint, some islands didn’t have a police station or police officers. And even if they did, the complex power relationships on the islands often placed more importance on local customs and unspoken rules than the law.
Against this backdrop, Soka Gakkai members nevertheless prayed for their islands’ prosperity and raised the banner of kosen-rufu.
In the 1960s, members living on an island with a population of approximately 3,000 and situated about 1.2 miles off the northwest coast of Kyushu faced an onslaught of persecution.
It all started when a couple named Haruyoshi and Matsu Konno became the first there to join the Soka Gakkai in May 1959. Matsu suffered from severe menopausal symptoms, so when an acquaintance in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, told her about Nichiren Buddhism, she and her husband began their practice, hoping it would help.
Soon after, she felt a great weight lift from her both mentally and physically, and she noticed her condition had improved. She realized that this must be a benefit of starting Buddhist practice that her friend had told her about. Overjoyed, the couple began sharing Nichiren Buddhism as they had been taught. Many local people were surprised to see the formerly downcast Matsu become so full of energy and speak with such enthusiasm about Nichiren Buddhism. And in just a few months, four new households began practicing.
The following August, regional summer guidance sessions with leaders dispatched by the Soka Gakkai Headquarters took place, and the number of members on the island increased significantly. A unit, the smallest frontline organizational level at the time, was formed and soon grew to 22 households. Then, in August 1961, during another round of summer guidance sessions, the next level of organization, a group, was formed. At that point, a fierce storm of obstacles and devilish functions started to arise, as described in the passage from the Daishonin’s writings “As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form” (“Letter to the Brothers,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 501).
Installment 14
On the way home from a discussion meeting on the last day of the 1961 round of guidance sessions, Soka Gakkai members encountered a group of island youth brandishing hoes and scythes and shouting insults. Local power holders had instigated these youth because they were displeased by the growing number of Soka Gakkai members.
In another incident, a landlord ordered a member to vacate their home because they had invited a Soka Gakkai leader over.
Community power holders devised other ways to harrass Soka Gakkai members. They decided to collect donations for local shrines from each family directly instead of the usual way of paying out of village funds. Members who expressed disagreement were regarded as uncooperative and disruptive to the community and were subsequently ostracized. In some cases, they were completely shunned socially and deprived of the right to lease village-owned land.
The island’s industries were fishing and agriculture, of which tobacco was a major part. Members were also expelled from the island’s tobacco cooperative.
When Haruyoshi Konno, a tobacco farmer, was shut out of the cooperative, he switched to growing vegetables and other crops. But no one on the island would buy his produce. He had no choice but to sell it on other islands to earn a living. In addition, none of the stores on the island would sell any goods to Soka Gakkai members.
Learning of this via telegram, chapter young men’s leaders and Kyushu Region leaders visited the village mayor to question the village’s handling of the situation and request cooperation toward a resolution. They also asked officers at the local police station to protect the rights of members as island residents.
But the attacks persisted, affecting even children.
Other children would taunt the children of Soka Gakkai families with cries of “Soka, Soka!” and would sometimes shove them or pelt them with stones. But no matter how they were bullied, the Soka Gakkai children said nothing to their parents. They knew how hard their parents were striving and didn’t want to cause them more worry.
The members remained undefeated. Each time they were harassed, they told one another it was a chance to change their karma. They read the Daishonin’s golden words “No matter how many terrible enemies you may encounter, banish all fears and never think of backsliding” (“On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings,” WND-1, 395) and reaffirmed their determination.
Installment 15
Soka Gakkai members took legal action against the harassers and encouraged one another as they worked toward a resolution.
The truly admirable thing about the members was that they did not retreat a single step despite the intense pressures on them and their livelihoods. They had all experienced benefits such as overcoming illness and family discord since they started chanting and teaching others.
“Persecution—bring it on! It’s just as taught in the Daishonin’s writings! It’s a sign that our faith is genuine. Now is the time to share Nichiren Buddhism!”—this was their spirit.
Treasuring Nichiren’s great conviction that “Those persons who have spoken slanderously of me will in time chant in the same way” (“The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra,” WND-1, 672), they walked about 3.5 miles to neighboring villages to introduce others to Buddhism.
Eventually, many people began to see the members’ ostracization as a problem, and the village mayor, council chairperson and other community leaders gathered to discuss the issue. They apologized to the Soka Gakkai, saying: “We deeply regret that pressure by certain power holders has resulted in the unfair treatment of Soka Gakkai members.” They also expressed their wish to work together with the members for the development of the village.
Three full years had passed since the persecution began. The faith of the island members, and their sincerity as human beings, had overcome all and resulted in magnificent victory.
In Nagasaki Prefecture, many of its dozens of islands, including Hashima Island—popularly known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)[6]—had prospered through coal mining. Another case of persecution took place on one such island.
The incident began in February 1962, when a Soka Gakkai group was established and members began enthusiastically sharing Nichiren Buddhism.
Nichiren writes that since this world is the domain of the devil king of the sixth heaven, when people begin the struggle to spread the Mystic Law, devilish functions will arise to oppose the Buddha’s forces. The advance of kosen-rufu always calls forth a storm of persecution and oppression.
Installment 16
In June 1962, a coal dust explosion on the island killed six people and injured nine others. Workers were already disgruntled with the mining company over labor conditions, including extended working hours to meet daily quotas. So after the accident occurred, rumors of workers forming a second labor union began to circulate, fueled by the fact that the existing union sided more with the company than the workers.
The company, meanwhile, was also distrustful of its employees. Some had accepted their moving allowance and never shown up for the job. Others left work early to play pachinko,[7] while others got drunk and missed their shift. When reporting why they missed work or had to leave early, those who opposed the Soka Gakkai blamed members.
For example, one wrote that he couldn’t get enough rest on his day off because a member came to his house to talk about Buddhism when in fact they had just watched television together. Another reported that a member had kept him up late talking about the organization.
The company housing where the miners lived consisted of blocks of row houses with paper-thin walls, and neighbors could easily hear each other’s voices. Whenever members held a discussion meeting, a neighbor might claim the noise had kept him awake and use that as an excuse for missing work the next day.
For their part, Soka Gakkai members had taken great pains not to disturb their neighbors during discussion meetings.
The company came to view Soka Gakkai members with hostility. It began requiring members to get company permission before holding meetings and even told some that if they wanted to have meetings, they should move out of the company housing.
Eventually, some members decided to hold discussion meetings outdoors so as not to disturb anyone.
When the company, which had been exerting undue pressure on Soka Gakkai members, heard rumors of a second labor union underway, it assumed the organization was leading the charge. The company saw this as an attack against it and reacted with open antagonism. But it was a complete misunderstanding.
Uneasiness about their oppressive response to the Soka Gakkai made company officials jittery. They became afraid of their own shadow.
Installment 17
Still, the company felt it had to curb the Soka Gakkai’s influence. It sent representatives out to members’ homes to pressure them and confiscate their Gohonzons.
Learning of this, young men’s division members on the island rose to action. Three or four young men, led by group leader Hirosuke Tayama, arranged a meeting with the company’s personnel officers to voice their protest.
“Isn’t freedom of religion a right equally recognized for all Japanese people? The company has no right to confiscate our object of devotion, the Gohonzon. That infringes on our religious freedom. It is oppression. You must return the Gohonzons you confiscated immediately!”
The personnel manager replied arrogantly: “By Gohonzon, I presume you are referring to the scrolls in the Buddhist altars. We took them only with the consent of the parties involved. Isn’t it also freedom of religion for someone to say they want to quit the Soka Gakkai?”
“Well, let me ask you, why is the company getting involved with individuals’ religious beliefs in the first place? Now you’re even refusing to hire Soka Gakkai members! That is religious discrimination. We will fight to protect our basic human rights.”
“The company has stepped in because there’s a concern that Soka Gakkai members might cause trouble and impair our operations.”
“What are you saying? Where is your proof? Do you know what the Soka Gakkai teaches about jobs and work?”
Tayama went on to earnestly explain that the Soka Gakkai followed the guidance of “In faith, do the work of one; in your job, do the work of three,” and that President Yamamoto always encouraged members to be outstanding employees. As the conversation continued, the young men realized that prejudice and misunderstanding of the Soka Gakkai had led to the company’s unfair treatment of members. Their protest naturally grew into an opportunity to share Nichiren Buddhism.
Installment 18
Tayama spoke at length about the kind of religion the Soka Gakkai was and what it aimed to achieve. Gradually, the personnel officers’ attitudes and expressions changed. Some even nodded as they listened.
The manager said: “Let me ask you frankly, is the Soka Gakkai planning to form a second labor union to oppose the company?”
“We have no intention of doing that. If, however, the company ignores the law and jeopardizes our human rights, we will fight with all our might.”
Tayama next asked about the confiscated Gohonzons. The company officials then revealed the names of the 15 households involved. They also said the Gohonzons were “in safekeeping.” It goes without saying that the company had no business removing the Gohonzons, which were the members’ personal objects of devotion, and it agreed to return them.
Through this discussion, the company came to understand that the Soka Gakkai was not planning to form a second labor union and that its guidance emphasized being good members of society. Thereafter, Soka Gakkai members could once again conduct activities in company housing, and more new members appeared.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “One has to speak out and stand up for one’s convictions.”[8]
To defend the truth and human rights, we need to summon our courage and speak out. It is always silence that allows evil to run rampant.
In 1972, the coal mine on the island closed. Many residents left in search of work elsewhere, but about 50 Soka Gakkai households decided to remain. Tiger shrimp farming and tourism became the island’s main industries, and Soka Gakkai members played a key role in the island’s revival.
These two islands are not particularly remote, located quite close to the Kyushu mainland. Nevertheless, Soka Gakkai members faced relentless persecution in both places. But they persevered and continued to pioneer the way for kosen-rufu.
Installment 19
The remote island of Teuri lies off the northwest coast of Hokkaido [the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands], some 19 miles from the former coal-mining town of Haboro, itself some 134 miles by train north of the prefectural capital of Sapporo. About 7 miles in circumference, Teuri is also known as Oloron, the local word for the common murre, a seabird that nests there annually. From October through April, a ferry makes only one round trip to the island each day.
Every March, several seabird species, including the common murre, begin arriving on Teuri Island to breed. During the breeding season from April to August, huge numbers of birds cover the island’s cliffs.
An endless deep blue sea. The white foam of waves crashing on rocks. Thousands upon thousands of birds blanketing the sky—a spectacular sight, a masterpiece of nature.
Visible from the island’s ferry dock was a white two-story building atop a hill—a hotel run by Soka Gakkai member Taichi Sada. With more than 30 rooms, it was the largest lodging on Teuri Island.
Some 800 people comprising around 260 residential households (in 1978) called the island home. At the time, it had a Soka Gakkai block (present-day district), of which the 69-year-old Sada was the men’s leader.
Sada had experienced many ups and downs in his life.
His grandfather, a native of what is today Aomori Prefecture, moved to the island in the early years of the Meiji period (1868–1912) as one of its pioneer residents. His example as a successful fisherman drew many from neighboring Aomori and Akita prefectures to settle on the island.
Sada’s grandfather and father both headed fishing operations and wielded considerable influence. When herring fishing was at its peak, the island flourished as a key fishing center, and the population rose to nearly 2,000.
The ocean is a source of bountiful catches, but can also be fierce and cruel. Rough seas can turn vicious and sometimes take lives. One never knows what tomorrow will bring—a rich catch or death?
Living at the mercy of nature’s uncontrollable forces, fishermen often experienced how powerless human beings are. For that reason, many had strong religious faith.
Installment 20
Taichi Sada’s father was also deeply religious. He built a shrine to the Dragon King, a sea deity cherished by Japanese fishermen, and commissioned statues of the guardian deity Jizo. He also encouraged other fishermen to have faith in something, it didn’t matter what. He believed this was an act of the highest good.
Strongly influenced by his father, Sada organized and led a Buddhist youth group. He often took other young people with him to engage in Zen meditation and the practice of ritual alms-gathering.
But the fortunes of the Sada family gradually declined, and in 1919, they went bankrupt. In an attempt to help the family recover, Sada, as heir, led a fishing expedition to the northernmost of the Chishima Islands (today claimed by Russia as the Kuril Islands) and the Kamchatka Peninsula (also now Russian territory). He also tried fishing the Heilong (or Amur) River in Manchuria (northeastern China). But the turbulent times prevented the Sada family from reversing its luck.
In 1939, Sada’s father died. Though bankrupt, he left his son 25 acres of land.
Sada continued fishing after World War II, but the catches were less than hoped for, and then a number of marine accidents followed. Before he knew it, he was deep in debt. He sold two-thirds of his inherited land to pay off some of his debts, but it wasn’t enough, and he couldn’t find a buyer for the rest.
Creditors came to his house every day, demanding repayment, but he had no way of doing so. His debts snowballed. He was at his wits’ end.
The only solution he could think of was to run away.
He went to Rumoi City [about 30 miles south of Haboro] and kept a low profile. There, he ran into a friend he hadn’t seen in 10 years. When Sada confided that he had fled his home, the friend started talking to him about religion.
“I’m sure you worked hard and did your very best. But your fishing business didn’t go well, and you met with accidents. And now you are suffering. This is your karma. But there is a religion that can help you transform this karma.”
Our happiness ultimately depends on whether we can triumph over our karma.
Installment 21
Sada had been asking himself: “Since I was young, I’ve had a stronger sense of spirituality than most, and I practiced various faiths. I honestly believe no one can compare to my sincerity in faith. But disaster struck again and again, and I’m forced to live in poverty. Why is this?”
At rock bottom, he had begun to doubt the existence of gods or Buddhas. Sensing Sada’s distress, his friend encouraged him and explained that religious teachings can be shallow or profound.
“Life is about what you believe in. For example, what would happen if you lived this year using last year’s calendar? Everything would be off, and you’d have a hard time going about your life in society. What would happen if you used a map of neighboring Yagishiri Island to try to find your way around Teuri? You’d never get to the right destination.
“Religion is like a map showing the fundamental path to happiness. If you believe in a correct religion and keep going, you will definitely become happy. That correct religion is Nichiren Buddhism, and the Soka Gakkai practices it just as Nichiren Daishonin taught.
“Mr. Sada, it’s as if you’ve been walking around looking at a map of a different island. You’ve been stuck in a maze. So despite all your effort and hard work, you’ve had nothing but unfortunate results and can’t find your way out. That may be your karma.
“But you can count on the faith of the Soka Gakkai without fail. It will enable you to transform your destiny. I have experienced this myself.
“Mr. Sada, your life is still ahead of you. Let’s do our best and win together no matter what.”
Sada was 46 at the time. As he spoke with his friend, he began to feel hope. Many things he didn’t understand, but he decided to trust his friend and give the Soka Gakkai’s religion a try.
Buddhist dialogue is a process of inspiring and motivating others, drawing forth hope and courage.
In May 1955, Sada joined the Soka Gakkai.
Installment 22
Sada’s wife also joined. The couple chanted intensely, eager to find a way out of their predicament.
They followed the Soka Gakkai’s guidance and actively shared Nichiren Buddhism with others. As they did so, Sada’s wife, who had long suffered from heart valve disease, began to feel relief from her symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath.
“This must be one of the benefits of faith we’ve been told about!” the couple thought. They chanted with sincere gratitude to the Gohonzon.
Five months after joining, filled with strong conviction in faith, Sada decided to return to his home island of Teuri. He was still heavily in debt and his situation remained unaltered, but his heart had changed drastically.
Unlike when he fled the island to escape his debt troubles, he now burned with a vow to carry out kosen-rufu on Teuri and help everyone there become happy.
Back on Teuri, Sada returned to fishing. He also traveled the island, sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others. People knew him well as someone whose family had led the fishing industry for generations, but who suddenly vanished from the island because of his debts. So, when he tried to tell fellow residents about Buddhism, many mocked him or threw salt at him.[9]
Behind his back, people whispered: “That guy Sada has finally lost his mind. Now he’s obsessed with some strange, nonsensical religion. How pitiful!”
It was a tiny island. People’s negative comments quickly got back to him. Frustrated and angry, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and bear it because there were no Soka Gakkai leaders or other members on the island he could talk to.
Chanting in earnest, he reflected: “If I remain too poor to repay my debts, of course no one will listen to me, no matter what I say. I need to show actual proof. That’s the only way. Gohonzon, please let me transform my financial situation so I can carry out kosen-rufu on this island!”
Assertions not supported by proof ring hollow. Nichiren Daishonin declares: “Even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact” (“Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 599).
Installment 23
Sada chanted and chanted, realizing that if he wanted to advance kosen-rufu on the island, he first needed to win in his daily life and show actual proof of faith. Chanting is the source of life force and wisdom.
He considered what he could do to earn a living besides fishing. After much deliberation, he decided to renovate part of his house and turn it into a guesthouse. It was a modest venture with only three sets of bedding, but even so, in the tourist season from May to September, it drew many guests.
Almost no one came to Teuri Island in the winter. The seas were rough, gray clouds covered the sky and howling blizzards raged. Ferries to the mainland made only one round trip a day and were sometimes canceled for days on end because of the weather. Sada saw the lack of business in winter as an opportunity to have deeper conversations with island residents and ventured out in snowstorms to share Buddhism. For that purpose, he learned to read and studied the Soka Gakkai study journal Daibyakurenge, its newspaper Seikyo Shimbun and Nichiren Daishonin’s writings.
Two years after returning to Teuri, he had introduced eight households to Nichiren Buddhism. He also persevered with his guesthouse business, renovating and upgrading the facilities little by little each year.
In the autumn of 1961, Teuri Island became the focus of wider attention when a television drama set there, called Ororon Island (produced by Hokkaido Broadcasting Company), was shown nationwide.
It was a story about a sister and brother. Sada’s son Kazuhiro played the role of the brother. The broadcast made Teuri famous as a scenic breeding ground of the common murre,[10] and it became a popular tourist destination.
Sada’s guesthouse business grew steadily. But fresh water on the island was scarce. In 1962, not wanting to inconvenience his guests, Sada decided to install a hose to bring water from a stream in the mountains behind the inn. He climbed a cliff about 98 feet high and set to work. Just then he lost his balance and fell headlong off the cliff. He lost consciousness and was rushed to a hospital on the Hokkaido mainland, where tests showed he had a depressed skull fracture and displaced cervical vertebrae. He had barely survived. But the doctors said that surgery was too dangerous.
Installment 24
The doctors advised Sada’s family to take him home as there was nothing more they could do for him. They said that Sada might end up permanently bedridden.
Sada told himself: “If I’m incapacitated, who will carry out kosen-rufu on Teuri? I will make a full recovery! The real struggle begins now!”
Back at home, he had to lie still; a brace held his neck in place. His whole body was numb, and even breathing was painful.
Many thought this was the end of Sada. Aware of what they were saying, he prayed and chanted with all his being.
Sada’s resolve to dedicate his life to kosen-rufu on Teuri kept him going. Two years passed, then three. His body recovered to the point where he could somehow manage to walk again. Those who devote themselves to kosen-rufu are Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Therefore, their lives brim with great life force.
Sada could no longer bear to stay home. He announced that he would start delivering the Seikyo Shimbun. Wearing his neck brace, he walked unsteadily from house to house. He also began sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others.
Seeing him in the neck brace, some joked that he looked like an alien.
He laughed it off and said: “I survived. That’s a benefit in itself. But I’m going to keep getting better and stronger, so remember how I look now.”
With every difficulty he faced, Sada’s fighting spirit burned brighter. And, just as he had declared, he completely recovered from the injuries the doctors had given up on.
Then, in 1968, six years after his accident, disaster struck again. One day, Sada went out on a boat to collect rock seaweed. Securing his boat at the bottom of a cliff, he climbed onto the rocks and set to work. At just that moment, a rock the size of a fist fell from the top of the cliff and struck him on the head.
Installment 25
Sada lost consciousness and was rushed again to a hospital on the Hokkaido mainland. His skull was cracked in several places, but oddly enough, none of his injuries were life-threatening.
The thought flashed through his mind, “How come I keep having accidents like this when I’m practicing Nichiren Buddhism?” But then he recalled the words “lessening karmic retribution,” the idea that we can experience the effects of bad karma from the past to a lesser degree due to our Buddhist faith and practice.
“These repeated head injuries must result from negative karma from previous lifetimes. Normally they would have killed me, but I have been saved twice thanks to my faith. This is because I have a mission to work for kosen-rufu!” Sada concluded.
Joy and appreciation for the Gohonzon filled his heart.
Discharged from the hospital after about a month, he became even more energetic than before.
He focused on running his guesthouse, and the number of guests grew year by year. As his experiences of benefit mounted, more and more people around him started practicing Nichiren Buddhism.
In 1972, he rebuilt his guesthouse into the largest hotel on Teuri Island, with more than 30 rooms.
Among those Sada encouraged, many grew to be capable people shouldering kosen-rufu on Teuri Island. One such individual, Kozo Morisaki, became the first Teuri Chapter leader and later founded the Teuri Museum of Local History.
Shin’ichi Yamamoto received regular updates on the Teuri Island members.
He said to the Outlying Islands Department leaders: “The only way to open the way for kosen-rufu on an island is to demonstrate the power of Nichiren Buddhism. It all comes down to members showing how their lives have changed. That’s why it’s crucial that they experience the benefits of faith. Beyond that, what matters most is that they win people’s trust by working for and contributing to the welfare of the island and their communities. That’s the decisive factor in securing the foundations for kosen-rufu.”
Installment 26
The size of Japan’s inhabited outlying islands varies widely. Sado Island [in Niigata Prefecture], for instance, covers more than 330 square miles and has more than 20,000 resident households, while some small islands have just a few or a few dozen households.
Kashima, a tiny island with a circumference of about 2 miles, lies about 12.5 miles west of Uwajima port in Ehime Prefecture [in Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands]. In 1978, Kashima’s population was 225 people in 74 households. They had only an elementary school, so when it was time for junior high, children left the island to live as boarding students elsewhere.
Nearly a third, 21, of the island’s households were Soka Gakkai households. It could be said to be a place where kosen-rufu had advanced the most.
A key figure supporting kosen-rufu on Kashima Island was Matsue Hamahata, the women’s division block leader (present-day district leader). Another member on the island had introduced her to the practice in 1964 when she was going through a bout with illness. On a small island, residents enjoy great camaraderie. But when Hamahata started sharing Nichiren Buddhism, people’s attitudes toward her changed abruptly.
Local customs were deeply entrenched. When someone was ill and needed surgery, for example, everyone would gather at the local temple or shrine to pray for them. People felt that Hamahata’s efforts to share Nichiren Buddhism disrupted the island’s established order.
People stopped returning her greetings. Some privately said to her: “I’m sorry, but if someone sees us talking, they’ll think I’m part of your religious group.”
Some, while agreeing with what she told them about Nichiren Buddhism, still wouldn’t join the Soka Gakkai. “I think it’s a good teaching,” they’d say, “but as long as I’m living on Kashima, I can’t start practicing. If I move away, I’ll try it.”
The smaller the island, the closer and stronger the human relationships. People’s lives depend on mutual support. To promote understanding of the Soka Gakkai in such places, it is essential for members to live in a way that wins people’s trust.
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The local government employed Matsue Hamahata as a home helper for the elderly, taking care of cleaning, laundry and meals. Her thoughtfulness and enthusiasm for her work came to be highly valued.
Gradually, more and more people started practicing because of Hamahata. Joy and laughter surrounded her.
Hamahata’s area of responsibility as Soka Gakkai women’s block leader included neighboring Tojima and Hiburi Islands. Just one boat a day sailed from Kashima to Hiburi Island, leaving at 2 p.m. and arriving at 4:30 p.m. The return boat wasn’t until the next day. The journey was often rough. At the end of one year, bad weather forced the cancellation of boat service for about a week.
Large meetings took place in Uwajima on the Shikoku mainland. Because of the boat’s schedule, Hamahata had to leave in the morning even for evening meetings. There was no boat when the meetings finished, so she would have to wait to return the next day. Burning with a seeking spirit in faith, she took advantage of the time she had in Uwajima to absorb as much as she could.
On a small island, one person can have an immense impact. Their determination, actions and behavior can decide the course of kosen-rufu. A single breakthrough can transform people’s understanding of the Soka Gakkai.
Hamahata’s presence became a significant driving force for kosen-rufu on Kashima.
“It’s up to me to achieve kosen-rufu on my island. This is my mission!”—the steady emergence of members with this awareness has powered the development of kosen-rufu on outlying islands. This eternal and unchanging principle applies to all communities.
Leaders from Uwajima also often traveled to Kashima to encourage members. Encouragement and guidance in faith from comrades are indispensable in helping members understand their mission.
If we sow seeds but ignore them, they will be eaten by birds or rot away. Through steady and painstaking encouragement, the seeds of mission will sprout and members will grow into true champions who stand up and take initiative.
Installment 28
Members from the Tokara Islands of Kagoshima Prefecture in Kyushu also took part in the Outlying Islands Department general meeting. The Tokara Islands are a chain of 12 small volcanic islands about 124 miles south of Kagoshima Harbor, dotting the waters between Yakushima and Amami Oshima Islands. The archipelago as a whole, which includes Kuchinoshima and Nakanoshima islands, comprised Toshima Village, part of Kagoshima County.
There were also members in another island-group village known as Mishima, which consists of Takeshima, Iojima and Kuroshima—islands lying some 25 miles south-southwest of Kyushu’s Satsuma Peninsula. The Soka Gakkai had formed Toshima District for members of both villages. In March 1964, Hirotake Ishikiri was appointed the district leader. For the next 14 years, while living in Kagoshima City [on the Kyushu mainland], he visited the members on the various islands to offer encouragement.
Ishikiri joined the Soka Gakkai in October 1956, at age 41. Born and raised in Kagoshima, he tried his hand at several businesses, including a seafood company and an ice cream manufacturer, but failed at each. He was heavily in debt when an acquaintance told him about the Soka Gakkai. Impressed that Nichiren Buddhism taught the principle of cause and effect rather than mysticism, he decided to start practicing. He also enthusiastically took part in Soka Gakkai activities, introducing 10 and then 20 households to the Daishonin’s teachings.
His financial troubles persisted, but the following year after joining, he visited Osaka to take part in propagation activities. There he met then youth division chief of staff Shin’ichi Yamamoto, who was also in Osaka, and they exchanged business cards.
In July that year, Ishikiri learned that Shin’ichi, as the person in charge of campaign activities for the Soka Gakkai–backed candidate in the Osaka electoral district by-election for the House of Councilors (Upper House), had been arrested on trumped-up charges of election law violations. After Shin’ichi’s release, Ishikiri received a postcard from him.
It contained a powerful message encouraging him to remain unswayed no matter what, to dedicate himself to his mission for kosen-rufu and to live without regrets. It moved Ishikiri deeply.
“Though facing the most difficult circumstances himself, he is concerned about and encourages someone like me, a failure at business he has met only once. This must be the true Soka Gakkai spirit!”
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The postcard included a passage from the Daishonin’s writing “The Two Kinds of Faith”: “The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing” (WND-1, 899).
Ishikiri vowed in his heart: “Come what may, I will persevere earnestly in my Buddhist practice, unswayed by life’s ups and downs. I will have faith like water!”
Eventually, he overcame his financial problems, started a food company and secured nationwide distribution. He repaid all his debts and demonstrated wonderful proof of faith.
In August 1958, Shin’ichi visited Kagoshima City. At the time, he was general administrator shouldering full responsibility for the Soka Gakkai after second president Josei Toda’s death. Ishikiri proudly reported to Shin’ichi that he had transformed his work situation by exerting himself in his Buddhist practice.
Something in his tone, however, suggested he may have considered himself in some way superior to his sincere fellow members who were struggling with all their might against their own financial hardships.
After listening to Ishikiri, Shin’ichi looked him directly in the eye and said sternly: “You have worked hard to share Nichiren Buddhism and your business has succeeded. This is solely due to the benefit of the Gohonzon and the power of faith. But if you become arrogant and your faith weakens, you will find yourself at an impasse again. That’s why it’s important to eliminate any arrogance in your heart.
“Of course, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and sharing Nichiren Buddhism bring you benefits and enable you to overcome financial difficulties. But to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime—that is, to establish a life state of absolute happiness—you must persevere in faith throughout your life. Continuing is the key to faith.
“Being ruled by arrogance, however, will destroy your faith. That’s why the Daishonin states: ‘If you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in the next one’ (WND-1, 58–59).”
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Shin’ichi continued: “I’ve met a great many people and found that among those who stopped practicing, most had fallen prey to arrogance. Arrogance makes us self-centered and unable to work in unity with others; it eventually causes us to be a destructive force in the organization for kosen-rufu. I say this for your sake, because I want you to be victorious in faith.”
Ishikiri felt that Shin’ichi had keenly perceived his true nature. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
“All right, I will defeat my arrogance! I will become a person who supports kosen-rufu from behind the scenes as long as I live!”
In 1963, he began to run a distribution office for the Seikyo Shimbun newspaper. His decision to do so rested on his wish to dedicate himself to kosen-rufu and the Soka Gakkai.
His distribution area included Mishima and Toshima Villages. At the time, the Seikyo Shimbun came out three times a week and was mailed to subscribers on the islands. The following March, he was appointed leader for a district that included Toshima and Mishima.
The main focus of a leader’s activities is to meet with each member. That is the basis for everything.
To visit the Toshima Village members, Ishikiri would take a passenger ferry bound for Naze on Amami Oshima and stop along the way at Kuchinoshima, Nakanoshima, Tairajima, Suwanosejima, Akusekijima, Kodakarajima and Takarajima. The ferry made only four round trips a month. The Toshima Village islands stretched over 100 miles north to south, each with but a few members, whom Ishikiri went to encourage.
Once a month, he made rounds of Toshima and Mishima Villages. In rough seas, service was canceled. When Ishikiri left home, he never knew exactly when he might return. Some months he spent less than 10 days sleeping in his own bed. He was determined to give his all for the members on the islands.
Installment 31
Ishikiri’s family joined forces and did all they could to support him so he could visit the islands in his district.
Living and conducting Soka Gakkai activities on a remote island was unimaginably more challenging than in Japan’s big cities. When Ishikiri became district leader, many of the islands had no wharfs. From the ferry, he had to board a rowed barge to reach them, getting soaked from head to toe in the process.
Unloading and transporting cargo from the ferry required that someone on the island pull the barge ashore. On Toshima Village’s Gajajima Island, the population had dwindled to the point where there was no one who could do that job. So in 1970, all the residents left, making it an uninhabited island.
Kuchinoshima was the northern gateway to the Tokara Islands, but round-the-clock electricity wasn’t available there until July 1978. Before that, a generator on the island with limited operating hours supplied power. But it was unreliable, and electricity sometimes cut out in the middle of discussion meetings.
Ishikiri once brought a projector to a member’s home to show a Soka Gakkai film. But when he turned it on, the projector’s light bulb blew out. The spare bulb did the same, and he couldn’t show the film. The voltage was higher than on Japan’s main islands, so from then on he made sure to bring a power transformer with him.
The only way to get around on these small remote islands was to walk, often for two or three hours at a time. Ishikiri once fell into a ditch while walking in the dark. Not wanting to impose on the members for food, he always carried packets of instant noodles in his bag.
When the seas were rough and ferry service suspended, he would sometimes have to wait for days to leave an island. But he made good use of that time talking at length with members.
On an island, one member standing up in earnest can advance kosen-rufu tremendously. One person quitting their practice or becoming hostile to the Soka Gakkai, however, can lead to the organization’s demise.
Ishikiri inwardly vowed: “I will foster champions of kosen-rufu who possess invincible resolve. To do that, I must be an invincible champion myself. Only a lion can foster lions.”
Installment 32
Both Toshima and Mishima Villages were in the paths of seasonal typhoons. On becoming district leader, Ishikiri prayed wholeheartedly for the islands to experience minimal storm damage, for each resident to become happy and for kosen-rufu to progress there.
At the time, agriculture and fishing were the main industries for both villages. Employment opportunities were limited, and most young people left the islands after finishing junior high school. Some were eager to experience life in the big city. Many never returned and the islands’ populations continued to decline.
Amid these circumstances, Soka Gakkai members strove with optimism, giving their all to bring prosperity to their island homes.
Though facing opposition to their faith, the members continued to greet everyone around them with warm, embracing smiles, steadily gaining wider support and understanding. This inspired Ishikiri deeply.
Iojima Island, part of Mishima Village, was informally known as Devil’s Island. Volcanic smoke rose from the island’s Mount Iodake. A member there had been striving earnestly in faith, wishing for the happiness of her fellow residents. Though her husband was ill and her family poor, she worked hard to support them and applied herself to Soka Gakkai activities, determined to show proof of her faith and help advance kosen-rufu.
She threw herself into her job as a bamboo cutter and labored alongside the men on public works projects. Unable to buy new clothes, she kept her kimono tied with a straw rope as she toiled. If she tried talking to others about Buddhism, they would belittle her and refuse to listen. But as she steadily improved her circumstances, those around her gained a deeper understanding of the Soka Gakkai. Even when the sulfur mine on Iojima closed and the island experienced a long recession, she and her family were able to build a fine new house.
On Takeshima Island, also part of Mishima Village, one member had formerly been a priest of another Buddhist school. Having the only Buddhist priest on the island join the Soka Gakkai upset residents and stirred considerable opposition. However, he made a strong case for the validity and greatness of Nichiren Buddhism by explaining why he, as a Buddhist priest, had joined.
Seeing these examples of members striving on remote islands, Ishikiri keenly sensed the joyful emergence of Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
Installment 33
The kosen-rufu movement began to develop steadily on Japan’s outlying islands from around 1955, growing year by year.
Local organizations were taking shape on the Amami Islands [southwest of Kyushu], with new members joining one after another. This was happening not only on the larger islands of Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima, but also on Kikaishima, Kakeromajima, Yoroshima, Ukeshima, Okinoerabujima and Yoronjima Islands.
In 1961, the year after Shin’ichi Yamamoto became third Soka Gakkai president, a chapter for the Amami Islands was established.
South of Amami Oshima is the island Kakeromajima, and to the south of that are Yoroshima and Ukeshima.
In the early years, members from Yoroshima would travel to Kakeromajima and Ukeshima by rowboat to share Nichiren Buddhism. They also went by rowboat to attend meetings in Koniya on Amami Oshima. Four or five members would travel together on these sea journeys, which took several hours.
They wore raincoats to keep dry, but when the waves were high, their clothes were still drenched by the spray. Their arms ached from rowing, and they were physically exhausted. But they encouraged one another as they crossed the rough seas, saying that each stroke brought them closer to changing their karma.
They joked that since they rowed themselves, they were passenger-less boats.
The members on Kakeromajima were also energetic and cheerful. They would walk 3 to 6 miles in a day to visit even one person’s home to talk about Buddhism.
The Japanese habu, a venomous snake, lives on five of the inhabited islands of the Amami Islands, including Kakeromajima. Because the habu is nocturnal, traveling at night is particularly dangerous. An attack can happen at any time while walking through tall grass.
Members going out at night for Soka Gakkai activities would light their way with torches or oil lanterns and carry long scythes and sticks to part the grass and make sure there were no snakes.
One rainy night as a member walked through a wooded area on the way home from a discussion meeting, something suddenly fell with a thud on their umbrella. It was a habu. On another occasion, a member discovered a habu hiding under a straw mat in a hut where they were sheltering from the rain.
People awakened to their mission can overcome any obstacle. Nichiren Buddhism has spread through the dauntless actions of individuals committed to the happiness of others.
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Each island had a history of ostracizing or persecuting Soka Gakkai members to some degree. But by basing themselves on the Gohonzon and with the Daishonin’s writings, Soka Gakkai publications, and the encouragement they received from their friends in faith, the members overcame their hardships and brought flowers of happiness to bloom.
Shin’ichi Yamamoto gave his all to encouraging the pioneers of kosen-rufu on the islands.
In April 1958, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda passed away. At the end of June, Shin’ichi was appointed general administrator, effectively shouldering full responsibility for the organization, and in July, he visited Sado Island.
He wanted to encourage the members there who were deeply saddened by their mentor’s death. He was determined to initiate a fresh, hope-filled start together with these brave members striving on Sado, the place where Nichiren Daishonin launched his struggle as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law after “casting off the transient and revealing the true” [at the time of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution].
On May 3, 1960, Shin’ichi became the third Soka Gakkai president. In July, he visited Okinawa to encourage members living in the Ryukyu Islands1 and established Okinawa Chapter. He also established the first district outside of Japan in Honolulu on Oahu Island in Hawaii, the destination of his first global journey for peace [in October] after becoming president. And Hong Kong was the launching point of kosen-rufu in Asia [in January the following year].
In Japan, Shin’ichi visited the islands of Tokunoshima and Amami Oshima [in 1963]. At that time, the Amami General Chapter was established.
When visiting regions around Japan, whenever he heard that a member or members from a remote island were there, Shin’ichi would meet with them and encourage them wholeheartedly, presenting them with gifts such as books in which he inscribed short poems and other messages. He was aware of how hard it was to open the way for kosen-rufu on outlying islands.
Always wishing for the happiness of those struggling the most, making every effort to support and shine a light on them, and offering them warm encouragement—this is the way of life of a Soka Gakkai leader and the practice of Buddhist humanism.
In late September 1964, Typhoon Wilda struck Japan and caused considerable damage throughout the country. Tanegashima and Yakushima Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture were especially hard hit.
Many homes were destroyed on Tanegashima, and a maximum wind speed of 153 mph was recorded on Yakushima.
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Shin’ichi was in Hong Kong when he learned of the damage on Tanegashima, Yakushima, and other areas, and the struggles of the members there. He immediately contacted the Kagoshima Prefecture leaders and asked them to go to encourage the members in the affected areas, entrusting them with a message from him.
The prompt visit from leaders deeply touched the members, especially those whose homes had been destroyed and who were at a complete loss what to do. Shin’ichi’s message that Nichiren Buddhism is a teaching of changing poison into medicine also gave them courage. Freshly inspired, they took the lead in recovery efforts. They also boldly engaged others in Buddhist dialogue, hoping to transform their own karma along with that of their communities. Propagation advanced remarkably.
In late October, Kagoshima leaders visiting Tokyo reported this to Shin’ichi, who said: “It must have been very difficult for everyone. In life, we are bound to encounter typhoons and other natural disasters. In a sense, we could say that life is a series of trials and hardships. What matters is what we do at those times.
“Do we despair, thinking it’s all over, or do we rise up, determined not to be defeated and to overcome the situation no matter what?
“In fact, the true meaning of faith in Nichiren Buddhism lies in building a strong self that is not defeated by any suffering or adversity. I hope that everyone affected by the disaster will stand up resolutely and continue to impart the light of hope and courage to all around them, undaunted by the challenges they face.”
Shin’ichi also had the leaders take cloths for wrapping prayer beads as gifts of encouragement from him to the Tanegashima and Yakushima members.
The Kagoshima leaders personally conveyed President Yamamoto’s words to each member, encouraged them, and handed them the gift. They could have left this to the local leaders, but that would have been failing at their most important responsibility.
The members were deeply moved. What they had actually received from Shin’ichi was his sincere spirit of concern for them.
Heart-to-heart communication gives rise to courage, inspires people to make a vow, and fosters lions.
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On January 11, 1965, a major fire struck Izu Oshima Island [administered by Tokyo]. It started late at night in the downtown area of Motomachi and spread quickly, fanned by strong winds.
More than 580 buildings were burned to the ground, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Island Branch Office, the town hall, the public library, the post office, and the telephone company, as well as many shops and homes. It was a major catastrophe, consuming an area of more than 9.3 acres.
It was fortunate, at least, that there were no deaths or injuries. Among those whose homes had burned were nearly 30 Soka Gakkai households.
This time, too, Shin’ichi immediately sent leaders to the area. They held a discussion meeting the evening of the day they arrived, at a member’s home that had escaped the flames.
The island had lost power, so lights were out and telephones weren’t working. The meeting took place in dim candlelight that illuminated the members’ forlorn faces. Dark shadows danced on the ceiling, as if reflecting their anxiety.
Seeing how dejected the members were, one of the dispatched leaders was momentarily at a loss for words. But he summoned his life force and began to speak: “President Yamamoto said, ‘I’m so happy you’re all alive and well!’ and gave me this message for you.”
He took out a notebook and started reading: “I deeply feel your pain. I am chanting daimoku for you with all my heart. Nichiren Daishonin writes: ‘I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow and I will never forsake it!’ (“The Opening of the Eyes,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 280–81). All of you are important individuals who will become the pillars, eyes, and great ships of Oshima.
“If you remain strong, optimistic and cheerful, never giving into despair, Oshima will regain its vitality. Please support, encourage and inspire your fellow residents and take the lead in recovery efforts. Aren’t you lions who uphold the Mystic Law?”
The message was a cry from the depths of Shin’ichi’s being. Words arising from earnest care and concern strike a powerful chord in people’s hearts.
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The members’ eyes filled with tears and their faces flushed with emotion.
The leader continued: “President Yamamoto also said: ‘I’d like to build a Soka Gakkai community center on Izu Oshima. If the members brim with hope and strive energetically, the island will surely recover and flourish more than ever. I want to build a community center to bolster that effort.’”
Before the leader could finish, the members were applauding and hugging each other’s shoulders.
The mood had transformed completely. People began sharing their determinations.
“Let’s make this disaster a springboard for Oshima’s great development! Now is the time to demonstrate our strength as Buddhists!”
“Yes! Our fellow islanders have lost hope. Let’s encourage and energize them! And let’s show them that we can surmount any hardship through our Buddhist practice!”
“I think that’s important. The way to change the poison of this destructive fire into medicine is by sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others. Let’s create a whirlwind of propagation across the island!”
Everyone blazed with fighting spirit.
Outside, the moon illuminated the charred ruins, and an acrid, burnt odor tinged the breeze. But a fresh spirit of construction filled the members’ hearts, and they set forth joyously from that evening to engage in Buddhist dialogue.
Some who had lost their homes in the fire were anxious about the future. However, as they started telling their friends and neighbors about Buddhism out of a wish to help them get back on their feet, they broke free of the maze of their own problems. From the depths of their beings arose a firm resolve to overcome their situation no matter what and a certainty that they would succeed.
Sharing Buddhism with others is the direct path to transforming one’s state of life.
After much discussion, the Oshima members vowed together to increase membership on the island to 1,000 households by the time the new community center was completed. Everyone felt inspired and motivated.
Throughout the temporary housing facility built in Motomachi for the fire victims, the sound of members chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo intensified.
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The Izu Oshima members’ efforts to talk to people about Nichiren Buddhism accelerated at an astonishing rate.
The eagerly anticipated ground-breaking ceremony for the Izu Oshima Community Center took place in September 1965, eight months after the fire.
Before the fire, the island had about 500 member households. By December, that number had grown to more than 800, and in January 1966, it reached their cherished goal of 1,000.
When everyone rises to action, fresh progress ensues. When people unite in spirit and work together, they create a new age.
The opening ceremony for the Izu Oshima Community Center took place on January 21. The building stood on a small hill near Oshima Airport. Smiles filled the main hall. As construction of the community center proceeded, some had been able to rebuild their homes. Others had contributed significantly to the community by working for the island’s recovery.
What delighted everyone the most was that many new members had joined in the efforts leading up to the community center opening, causing the hope-filled light of the Mystic Law to shine throughout the island.
The new center became a monument to the victories in life and kosen-rufu achieved by the members, who had wiped away their tears and stood up amid their grief at the fire’s devastation.
Wishing to applaud and commend them for their tremendous efforts, Shin’ichi sent a telegram: “Congratulations on the completion of the Izu Oshima Community Center! Please gather here in harmony and joy and build happiness together.”
His words brought tears to many as they thought back on the past year. Shin’ichi’s sole wish was for everyone to become happy. That is the purpose of faith in Nichiren Buddhism, of the Soka Gakkai and of kosen-rufu. Encountering hardships and challenges and striving in Buddhist practice are all means of forging ourselves so we can build lasting happiness.
On September 26, there was a meeting to commemorate the establishment of a new Izu Oshima Chapter.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Misfortune will change into fortune” (“Reply to Kyo’o,” WND-1, 412). The precious members of Oshima surmounted the trial of the fire and laid the foundation for their happiness.
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What is the purpose of the Soka Gakkai organization? To teach and spread Nichiren Buddhism, to encourage and support people in building indestructible happiness and to provide a space where they can learn from each other and grow together.
As such, we need to do our utmost to encourage and revitalize those practicing Buddhism amid the most trying circumstances. The Soka Gakkai members living on small islands are few. But if we only pay attention to the major cities and neglect the islands, we cannot accomplish our mission to enable all people to achieve happiness.
Shin’ichi had been thinking for some time about the need for a group focused on encouraging members on remote islands so they could move forward with hope, courage and energy. He shared his thoughts with the top leaders as they made plans toward 1974, which the Soka Gakkai had designated the “Year of Society.” After several rounds of discussion, the establishment of the Outlying Islands Department was finally announced on January 14, 1974. Seiji Mitsushima, a young man from Kumamoto Prefecture who worked at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters, was appointed the department leader.
Eleven days later, on January 25, 50 representatives from Amami Oshima, Okinoerabujima, Tokunoshima, Tanegashima, Yoronjima, and other islands in the Kyushu region gathered at the Kyushu General Training Center in Kagoshima Prefecture for the first Outlying Islands Department Representatives Conference.
The day before, Shin’ichi, who was staying at the training center, conferred with top Soka Gakkai Headquarters leaders, Kyushu Region leaders and Outlying Islands Department representatives about activities on the remote islands.
Shin’ichi said: “As I am preparing for my visit to Hong Kong in two days, I won’t be able to attend tomorrow’s representatives conference. However, I want to welcome the members on their arrival and see them off when they leave. They are noble children of the Buddha who have worked hard for kosen-rufu on their islands and weathered all sorts of trials, including ostracization and harassment.
“All without exception are Bodhisattvas of the Earth and true disciples of Nichiren Daishonin. A mystic karmic connection brought them to their respective islands, where they are striving for kosen-rufu as the Daishonin’s emissaries.”
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Who is great in the realm of Nichiren Buddhism? Those who, while battling harassment and oppression, patiently pave the way for kosen-rufu in accord with the Daishonin’s writings and give their all to spread the teachings, foster capable people and gain trust from their community. They work tirelessly for people’s happiness, sharing their hardships, shedding tears with them, chanting with them and taking action by their side. Being a priest doesn’t make a person great. Neither does being a Soka Gakkai leader.
Shin’ichi continued: “Soka Gakkai leaders must never be under the illusion that they are better than others or treat members in an arrogant or condescending manner. Those who can’t respect members striving valiantly are not genuine Buddhists.
“If leaders avoid hard work and think only of their own comfort and enjoyment, they will become like worms within the lion’s body that destroy kosen-rufu.2 From there, the Soka Gakkai will crumble. I want you to engrave this point in your lives.”
Shin’ichi’s gaze was strict; his tone, stern.
On January 25, a piercing cold wind swept through the Kyushu General Training Center grounds in the Kirishima mountains. Just before 11 a.m., the bus carrying participants of the first Outlying Islands Department Representatives Conference arrived. As they stepped off the bus, a smiling Shin’ichi greeted them.
“Thank you for traveling all this way! Welcome! I offer my heartfelt praise and applaud you as great champions of kosen-rufu!”
Shin’ichi extended his hand, and everyone shook it firmly. It felt incredibly warm to them. Tears welled in their eyes. Though few words were spoken, they sensed Shin’ichi’s heart, the pulse of his spirit. Courage filled them.
At the conference, the members resolved to work for the development of each island while protecting its traditional culture. They also confirmed their basic policy of engaging in activities that responded to each island’s actual conditions, always remaining socially aware and respecting the community’s values.
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During the [first Outlying Islands Department Representatives Conference], appointments were made for the newly established position of community leader for Amami Oshima, Kikaijima and Yakushima Islands. These leaders’ main responsibility would be to contribute to their island’s development and lead the kosen-rufu movement there, while making the most of each island’s unique characteristics.
After the conference, Shin’ichi saw everyone off. As the members boarded the bus, he called out words of encouragement, wanting them to leave inspired: “I am counting on you to take care of your islands. Kosen-rufu will advance to the extent that you act and share Buddhism with others.”
“I’m praying strongly for your health, success and the prosperity of your islands. I will chant for you morning and night. Our hearts are always one. I will steadfastly watch over you.”
“Please move forward harmoniously with open hearts, good judgment and a strong commitment to support your fellow residents. Become towering trees of trust as you embrace all the people of your islands.”
Kosen-rufu starts with one person standing up. On this day, the Outlying Islands Department members opened a new door in the second phase of kosen-rufu.
After seeing the members off, Shin’ichi said to Seiji Mitsushima and the other department leaders: “Until we establish a firm foundation for kosen-rufu on each island, I would like you to visit the islands and do your utmost to encourage the members there. I will do the same. I will take every opportunity to inspire our members living on outlying islands.”
True to his words, on February 2, just two days after returning from Hong Kong, Shin’ichi visited Okinawa’s main island. He also visited Ishigaki and Miyako Islands, where he took group photos with members. He attended the Yaeyama Festival and the Miyako Traditional Culture Festival—two events put on by the local organizations and attended by both members and guests—and joined in the traditional dancing.
He also attended memorial services and ground-breaking ceremonies for the new Soka Gakkai community centers to be built on each island. In addition, he donated books to the libraries of a junior high school on Iriomote Island and an elementary school on Irabu Island, and spoke with everyone present.
These activities with residents exemplified putting Buddhism into action in society. One example can open the way forward.
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The Outlying Islands Department started with one leader and two vice leaders, followed soon by the appointment of regional leaders in Kyushu and Okinawa.
The new leaders were surprised to find that Soka Gakkai members lived on many of Japan’s approximately 400 inhabited islands. Of course, on not a few of them, only one or a handful of households were members. They were standing up alone, holding high the torch of Soka while mounting a solitary struggle.
The leaders keenly felt the need to encourage these members.
Throwing themselves into that effort, they visited island after island, including Nakajima in Ehime Prefecture, Goshoura Island in Kumamoto Prefecture, the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture, Izu Oshima and Hachijojima, both under Tokyo’s administration, and Sugashima and Toshijima Islands in Mie Prefecture.
They would bring leaders from the respective prefectures with them, some of whom were visiting these islands for the first time. That was because in some cases, day trips to the islands were impossible or, if the sea was rough, they might end up unable to leave an island for several days.
But seeing the Outlying Islands Department leaders traveling to each island changed the awareness of these prefecture leaders as well as those on the headquarters level. It was an opportunity to reaffirm their basic responsibility as leaders to shine a light on, praise, encourage, and give hope and confidence to those striving amid difficult conditions. This in turn led to leaders regularly visiting the outlying islands.
In March, department leader Seiji Mitsushima and others traveled to the Okinawan islands of Kume, Miyako, Ikema, Irabu, Iriomote and Ishigaki to show members a new film documenting Shin’ichi’s visit to Okinawa the previous month. They were excited and determined to spread waves of joy throughout the islands.
Each island organized creative and innovative events, including movie showings and lectures. They were fun and meaningful occasions with friends also attending.
Acting swiftly and without delay—quick responses and sincere efforts create opportunities to expand the flow of kosen-rufu.
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Every island visit surprised and inspired the department leaders.
On their first day on Iriomote Island, they visited the members of Ohara Block on the eastern side of the island, where they screened the film of Shin’ichi’s Okinawa visit and held other activities.
The film showed a scene from the Yaeyama Festival on Ishigaki Island in which Ohara Block members performed a traditional Maki Odori dance. When Shin’ichi appeared on screen wearing a Japanese happi coat and headband, dancing hand in hand with them, everyone burst into cheers and applause.
After the film, with tears in their eyes, the members could only talk about the excitement and determination they had felt on that memorable occasion.
The following day, the leaders visited the members of Iriomote Block on the island’s west side. No road went from east to west, so the local leaders rented a small traditional fishing boat called a sabani to get there.
Choei Shimamori, the Iriomote Island leader, explained: “We usually depart from Ohara Port in the east and travel to Ishigaki Island. We stay there overnight and then take a ferry the next day to Funaura Port in the west. But there is only one round-trip ferry per day between Ishigaki and Funaura, so we decided to rent a boat to save time. It might be a little rough.”
That day, there was a near gale warning. The wind was strong, the waves, high. All wore raincoats and covered themselves with a tarp as they clung to the side of the boat. Even so, the spray from the giant swells drenched them. They did their best during the hourlong boat ride to keep the projector and film canisters dry. From Funaura Port, they rented a truck to go to the meeting place.
The road was bumpy and the truck shook violently, tossing them around. The department leaders thought: “Is this how the Iriomote Island members carry out their activities? It’s a far cry from Tokyo. There you can walk from one end of a block organization to another in 10 minutes. The members here would laugh to hear their Tokyo counterparts complaining about how hard their activities are.”
Difficulties are the best training ground for Buddhist practice. The harder our challenges, the greater our benefits.
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In April, the department leaders visited Hokkaido’s northernmost islands of Rebun and Rishiri, where they showed the film The Human Revolution. More than 150 people on Rishiri and more than 300 on Rebun watched it.
During their visit, as part of the activities commemorating the Seikyo Shimbun’s 23rd anniversary, the leaders donated over 1,000 books on behalf of the Soka Gakkai to Rebun Elementary School.
Then in May, the department leaders visited Chichijima Island in the Ogasawara Archipelago.
The Ogasawara Islands, located 621 miles south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, comprise more than 30 islands, including Chichijima, Hahajima, Ioto Island (Iwo Jima) and Minamitori Island. In 1944, as World War II in the Pacific intensified, some 7,000 island residents were forcibly evacuated to the Japanese mainland and elsewhere. Iwo Jima was the site of a fierce battle between Japanese and U.S. forces. Japan lost some 22,000 troops, the majority of its forces there, while the U.S. lost about 7,000, with another 18,000 wounded.
After the war, the Ogasawara Islands came under U.S. administration and were not returned to Japan until June 1968, 24 years after the evacuations. From then on, many former residents returned to their homes, and the flame of kosen-rufu was soon ignited. In 1974, propagation efforts were actively underway in the Ogasawara Islands.
The islands are warm year-round and have no rainy season. They are known as the Galapagos of the Orient because of the many unique plant and animal species that have evolved there. The islands enjoy a rich and beautiful natural environment, and whales and dolphins can be seen in their surrounding waters.
At the time of the leaders’ visit, however, the only way to reach the islands was by a weekly round-trip ferry that left from Takeshiba Pier in Tokyo. The trip took 38 hours each way, a voyage of three days.
Responding to the department leaders’ report about their guidance trip before they left, Shin’ichi sent a message: “Please go there on my behalf. Encourage the members with great conviction, always asking yourselves, ‘What would the Soka Gakkai president do?’ Only by acting in the spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple can you bring forth tremendous strength.”
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The leaders reported that the Ogasawara Islands had a membership of more than 30 households.
Shin’ichi’s message, conveyed by a top Soka Gakkai leader, continued: “How about taking this opportunity to establish a block there? Please discuss this with the Soka Gakkai Headquarters and consider leadership appointments and other specifics.
“Also, please tell all the members for me: ‘Even though we are physically far apart, our hearts as we strive together for kosen-rufu are connected through the Gohonzon. I am chanting earnestly every day for your health and the prosperity of your families.’”
Shin’ichi entrusted the leaders with gifts for the members.
Seiji Mitsushima, the department leader, and his team arrived on Chichijima Island the morning of May 4. As they stepped off the ferry, still suffering from seasickness, a group of beaming members greeted them. One was a 72-year-old man who had come from Hahajima Island, about 31 miles away.
“I was so excited when I heard leaders from the Headquarters were coming that I came to Chichijima Island two days ago. Is President Yamamoto well?”
While living on Japan’s mainland, the man heard Shin’ichi say at a meeting: “Please strive together with me for kosen-rufu throughout your life.” With these words deep in his heart, he had given his all to his Buddhist practice on Hahajima Island.
Members who have awakened to their mission for kosen-rufu and dedicated themselves to fulfilling the shared vow of mentor and disciple have blazed the great path forward.
The man’s pure heart and seeking spirit in faith deeply inspired the department leaders.
The kosen-rufu movement started on the Ogasawara Islands when evacuated residents began returning to Chichijima after the islands returned to Japan in 1968. Among them were two Soka Gakkai members, Takuya Sasamoto and Takao Asaike.
Sasamoto set up and headed a fishing cooperative, while Asaike became the captain of an Ogasawara Islands fisheries research vessel for the Tokyo Municipal Government.
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For some time after the evacuees returned to the Ogasawara Islands, just one ferry per month traveled between the Honshu mainland and Chichijima. Naturally, that also meant that everyday goods arrived only once a month. Whenever people moved there, Sasamoto and Asaike would ask around to see if any of them were Soka Gakkai members.
Along with returning former residents, Chichijima saw an increase in people settling there for the first time. The island also had an established community of non-Japanese residents; they, too, had been forced to evacuate but were allowed to return by the U.S. the year after the war ended. Sasamoto and Asaike worked hard to develop the island while fostering harmonious relations with its diverse inhabitants.
Around 1970, two years after Sasamoto and Asaike returned to Chichijima, they began to hold Soka Gakkai discussion meetings there. Although water and power outages occurred frequently, the members vowed to become pioneers of kosen-rufu on outlying islands.
As the captain of a fisheries research vessel, Asaike collected data on ocean currents, plankton distribution, local fish species and other marine life. He also transported supplies to Chichijima and Hahajima Islands, rushed emergency patients to the mainland, and carried out maritime rescues. His contributions to the community won him trust, which directly advanced the kosen-rufu movement.
Faith equals daily life. Buddhism is conveyed through how Soka Gakkai members live their lives.
After five years as a research boat captain, Asaike became an employee of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Ogasawara Islands Branch Office.
Soka Gakkai members played a variety of important roles on Chichijima, including one who served as a director of Japan’s southernmost fisheries radio station.
Tourism gradually increased and with it littering that began to sully the natural environment.
Concerned about their island’s future, some Soka Gakkai members came together and formed the Ogasawara Islands Nature Protection Group. They initiated trash cleanups and other activities to protect the environment.
Yoshiro Katsuta was a pioneer of kosen-rufu on Hahajima Island. Born there, he and his parents left the island by boat in the forced evacuations when he was 2 years old. They moved to Hachijojima Island, where they joined the Soka Gakkai. Katsuta’s father always dreamed of returning to Hahajima. Father and son promised each other that when the Ogasawara Islands returned to Japan, they would go back to Hahajima and become farmers.
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In June 1968, the Ogasawara Islands returned to Japan. But Katsuta’s father died the following spring.
Katsuta worked at a company in Osaka, but with each passing day, he felt more strongly that he should keep his promise to his father and return to Hahajima to farm.
His ancestors had been among the first Japanese families to settle on Hahajima, arriving in 1879. Over the years, Katsuta had read parts of an old notebook titled “Family Record” that his late father had kept. Written by his grandfather, a second-generation settler on the island, it described the unimaginable hardships and dauntless spirit of the pioneers. Katsuta took pride in the pioneer blood that ran through his veins.
“I will go back! I will protect Hahajima, the land my ancestors gave themselves heart and soul to developing! I will dedicate myself to kosen-rufu there!”
He had no farming experience whatsoever. But he was determined to overcome every challenge through faith. He spent a year in Yokohama in an agricultural training program, and in fall 1971, he returned to Hahajima as one of six new farming families, two years before the large-scale return of former residents.
Hahajima had been uninhabited for 27 years, and the entire island was a jungle. Katsuta began by building his own home, ordering timber and other construction materials from Chichijima Island. When finished, it consisted of one small room of approximately 100 square feet and had no electricity.
He worked tirelessly clearing the land and cultivating fields. His body ached from the unaccustomed labor. But he chanted Nam-myoho-
renge-kyo, thinking of the harsh pioneering life of his ancestors, who had suffered from hunger as they carved out the dense forest.
“Surmounting this struggle will open the path to kosen-rufu on Hahajima one step further! I will not be defeated!”
Courage surged in his heart.
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Eventually, the large-scale return of residents began, with both former and new residents moving there. Some were Soka Gakkai members.
Katsuta felt that they needed a meeting place to create a groundswell of kosen-rufu. He hired carpenters from the Honshu mainland to build him a new house. With this as a base, kosen-rufu began advancing on the island.
Crystal-clear coral reef water sparkled under a breathtaking blue sky. Lush green palm, papaya and banana leaves swayed in the breeze.
On May 4, 1974, the Outlying Islands Department leaders visiting Chichijima Island for the first time were struck by the beautiful tropical scenery. They found it hard to believe they were in Japan, let alone a part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
Upon arrival, they met with local members and then held a guidance meeting that evening at Takao Asaike’s home. More than 20 people gathered, mostly from Chichijima.
Seiji Mitsushima, the department leader, announced the formation of Ogasawara Block. The members applauded excitedly. Asaike was appointed block men’s leader, and his wife, Emi, block women’s leader.
Mitsushima then shared Shin’ichi’s message. Everyone’s eyes filled with tears and shone with determination when they heard his words, “Our hearts as we strive together for kosen-rufu are connected through the Gohonzon.”
Mitsushima said: “You are always in President Yamamoto’s heart. If he is in yours, you are united as mentor and disciple. The strength of the mentor-disciple bond has nothing to do with geographical distance or organizational positions. Those who share President Yamamoto’s spirit and cherish him in their hearts as their mentor, who strive for kosen-rufu with the same determination as he, are closest to him. That is what defines a true disciple, I believe. I hope that all Ogasawara members will steadfastly follow the path of mentor and disciple!”
References
- Leo Tolstoy, What I Believe, translated by Constantine Popoff (London: Elibron Classics, 2005), p. 156. ↩︎
- See Voltaire, Siècle de Louis XIV (The Age of Louis XIV), in Œuvres complètes de Voltaire (Complete Works of Voltaire), vol. 20 (Paris: P. Dupont, Libraire-Éditeur, 1823), p. 503. ↩︎
- Rebun and Rishiri Islands are two small islands off Hokkaido’s northernmost point. ↩︎
- In January 1978, the Soka Gakkai launched a new chapter system in Japan for the second phase of kosen-rufu. ↩︎
- In addition to the words “For the Fulfillment of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu through the Compassionate Propagation of the Great Law,” this Gohonzon also bears the inscription “To Be Permanently Enshrined in the Soka Gakkai” (Jpn Soka Gakkai Joju). As a result, it is commonly called the Soka Gakkai Joju Gohonzon. It is now enshrined in the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. ↩︎
- It is known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) because its silhouette resembles a battleship. ↩︎
- A Japanese form of entertainment that is a cross between a pinball machine and a slot machine. ↩︎
- Mahatma Gandhi, The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, vol. 83 (January 20, 1946–April 13, 1946), (New Delhi: Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1994), p. 241. ↩︎
- In Japan, it was traditionally believed that salt had purifying qualities and so it was thrown at unwelcome callers as a gesture of repulsion. ↩︎
- Common murre: A large, heavy-bodied seabird. ↩︎
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