The following is the shared pledge given by Koji Honda, Chugoku Region Youth Leader, and Shota Okajima, SGI-USA Youth Leader, at the Japan-U.S. Youth Peace General Meeting.
Koji Honda, Chugoku Region Youth Leader: Hiroshima once experienced an unspeakable tragedy in which a single nuclear weapon, in an instant, claimed or shattered the precious lives of more than 100,000 people. In the 80 years since, though it was said that not even grass would grow, the people of Hiroshima have stood up and continued to appeal to the world about the preciousness of peace. Hiroshima stands today as a city of hope, symbolizing humanism and the power to accomplish the impossible. We are convinced that uniting our hearts in this sacred place toward the transformation of humanity’s destiny is, in itself, a great step toward peace.
Today, the world faces complex challenges. In many regions, deep shadows of mistrust and conflict linger among nations with different cultures and histories. As dialogue is severed and mutual understanding becomes increasingly difficult, we must once again confront the fundamental question: How can we build lasting peace?
Shota Okajima, SGI-USA Youth Leader: However, we will never give up.
Because “When we forge ahead with an ever-youthful spirit of challenge, we can accomplish the impossible and change the world” (The New Human Revolution, vol. 22, p. 112).
Because each of us is a disciple entrusted with the heart of Ikeda Sensei.
Because we, the youth, possess infinite power to create the future. No matter how daunting our circumstances may appear, with strong faith to “accomplish the impossible,” as demonstrated by our seniors in faith and fellow members, we can surely open the way forward.
We believe that the path to genuine peace lies in people of diverse backgrounds striving to understand and respect one another. What, then, is the action required to realize this vision?
Both: “Peace is not just the absence of war. Genuine peace exists when people can live truly humanistic lives filled with hope and energy. Our movement for kosen-rufu is creating such peace through the power of the people” (NHR-19, 203).
What we must return to now is Sensei’s example of humanistic dialogue—this is the true struggle for peace. The first step is for each of us to treasure dialogue with the friends and neighbors before us, steadily expanding small circles of trust.
Honda: The youth division of the Chugoku Region upholds the expansion of Buddhist dialogue as the foremost path to kosen-rufu.
Toward the 100th anniversary of our founding in 2030, we will expand the ranks of youth who challenge themselves in dialogue, spreading Buddhist dialogues and widening ever greater circles of understanding.
Okajima: Toward Sensei’s 100th birthday on Jan. 2, 2028, the youth of the SGI-USA are committed to taking the initiative to create peaceful, harmonious communities where everyone can become absolutely happy, starting with ourselves. We are determined to empower 10,000 new youth to join the SGI-USA, and together, elevate the life condition of humanity.
As concrete action, we would like to pledge the following two points:
• First, to become bridges of dialogue: Standing between those who hold differing views, we will listen without prejudice and promote dialogue that deepens mutual understanding.
• Second, to have the courage to take action: Rather than merely wishing for peace, we will summon the courage to act—beginning in our immediate surroundings—and expand circles of understanding through Buddhist dialogue.
Honda: “Lasting peace is humanity’s cherished wish, but it remains an extremely difficult goal that has never been realized. But that is precisely why the Soka Gakkai appeared! That is why Nichiren Buddhism, the key to human revolution, exists! We must build, through dialogue, a great network of ordinary citizens working together in friendship and trust!” (NHR-30, 824)
From this land of Hiroshima, we will powerfully send forth our shared vow for peace to the world.
No matter what hardships may arise, we will never give up on dialogue. We will deepen mutual understanding and continue to walk the path toward peace. By joining hands as youth and connecting heart to heart, we firmly believe that we will illuminate the world with the light of hope and realize the lasting peace that Sensei envisioned.
Okajima: “Accomplish the impossible.” Fifty years have passed since Sensei dedicated his life to the struggle for peace.
The next 50 years belong to us, the Soka Gakkai youth division. Let us dedicate our lives to the movement of dialogue and, together, create a new era of worldwide kosen-rufu.
May 15, 2026 World Tribune, p. 37
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