SGI Women’s Leader Masami Nasu gave the following address at general meetings held in New York and Florida in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s 27th and final visit to the United States from June–July 1996.
Hello everyone, it is wonderful to meet you!
My heartfelt congratulations on this 30th anniversary general meeting!
Since this is my first time meeting all of you, I would like to share with you the prime point of my mentor-disciple relationship.
My prime point goes back to the five years I spent studying at Soka High School and Soka Women’s College. When I was in high school, Ikeda Sensei once came to the school after classes to meet with the students living in the dormitory. But as a student who commuted to school, I wanted to see Sensei even just once. So I pretended to leave school but secretly hid behind the “Motto Monument” on campus.
Before long, I heard Sensei’s voice from a distance. However, with the principal walking beside him, I was too nervous to come out of hiding. Then, just as Sensei was passing by that monument, he said, “I’m sure there’s a student hiding somewhere around here.” I was so surprised!
Tears filled my eyes as I felt the profound compassion of my mentor, who understood completely the heart of a disciple.
At that time, after stepping down as Soka Gakkai president (to shield the members from the evil machinations of the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood in April 1979), Sensei had begun a counteroffensive for fostering genuine disciples.
On one occasion, I went to a center where Sensei was staying to deliver an album of our school event.
I was told that Sensei had sent me a message, saying: “I won’t meet with you right away. The students of Soka Schools should work hard.”
Right then and there, I was asked to support as a staff member at a meeting that was taking place at the center.
After the meeting, Sensei kindly met with me and another student. To the young men’s representative, he said, “Have the spirit of a knight.” And to me—who could not stop crying while meeting him—he said: “Be cheerful. Be cheerful, OK? No matter what happens, always be cheerful!”
He repeated the words “Be cheerful” three times. From that day on, “Be cheerful” became my motto, no matter what happens in life.
During my time at Soka Women’s College, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand Sensei’s efforts to forge bonds of friendship with prominent figures from around the world.
Deeply inspired by what I witnessed, I resolved to go abroad for a short-term study program in San Diego, California, hoping to contribute to the development of worldwide kosen-rufu.
When I reported my decision to Sensei, he sent me a message: “Go in good health and return in good health to accomplish the purpose for which you are going. I will be praying for you.”
While in America, I studied English and also participated in Soka Gakkai activities. I will never forget the memories of going out together with fellow members to share Buddhism with others. Just before I was due to return to Japan, a major aviation accident occurred. The news sent shockwaves around the world. I cannot express how encouraged I was by Sensei’s message to “return in good health.”
I firmly resolved in my heart: “I will deepen my faith, develop my abilities and become a capable person who can contribute to worldwide kosen-rufu.”
Today, I am deeply grateful to return once again to America, the land of my prime point. I am renewing my vow to Sensei.
Once, in the past, when Sensei was asked why the Soka Gakkai continued to develop, he replied, “Because we have always treasured each and every individual.”
The words “worldwide kosen-rufu” first appeared in the Seikyo Shimbun (the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper) in October 1960, when Sensei took his first step on American soil. Everyone was eagerly anticipating what kind of whirlwind of propagation he would create throughout the world as a champion of shakubuku.
However, what Sensei regarded as most important was not simply calling for the expansion of membership but listening to what people had to say. At every meeting he attended, he listened attentively to the voices of members, shared in their struggles, prayed together with them and encouraged them.
Sensei would say: “What matters is that you become happy.” “What matters is that you continue to uphold your faith.” This was Sensei’s struggle to continue kindling the light of courage in the hearts of each person facing suffering.
In the “Sunrise” chapter of The New Human Revolution, volume 1, Sensei says:
Though such efforts might seem insignificant and far removed from the goal of world peace, the essential basis for peace lies only within the human being. Shin’ichi [Yamamoto] was deeply convinced that genuine peace could not be achieved without the revitalization of all individuals and the establishment of true joy and happiness in their lives. (revised edition, p. 45)
Through the “One Youth. Infinite Hope” campaign, let us initiate a wave of shakubuku from one person that expands outward as waves that reach thousands, and challenge ourselves to expand hope, expand our bonds of Buddhahood and expand our benefits!
And in this age of confusion, let us speak out with conviction about our philosophy of upholding the dignity of life and from America, the starting point of worldwide kosen-rufu, accomplish the great undertaking of transforming the destiny of humanity! Thank you so much!
November 6, 2026 World Tribune, pp. 10–11
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