The Art of Encouraging Others

The Soka University of America (SUA) community is mourning the passing of Junichi Miura—an accomplished painter, children’s book author and devoted supporter of SUA who died March 9 in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

For more than a decade, Miura became beloved within the SUA community for a heartfelt tradition that reflected his lifelong spirit of encouragement. Each spring, he sent the university a new painting celebrating the graduating class, like the work featured on the cover of this issue dedicated to the Class of 2025. Filled with bright colors, intricate details and scenes of graduates gathered across campus, his works captured the joy, hope and limitless potential of youth.

Miura’s paintings eventually became a treasured part of campus culture. Reproductions of the works were displayed at the university library alongside photographs of graduating students and quotations from SUA Founder Daisaku Ikeda. Together, they formed a visual message of hope for each new generation stepping into the future.

Born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1952, Miura first gained recognition as a picture book artist and illustrator. His artwork appeared in newspapers and magazines throughout Japan, and his gentle, expressive style resonated with readers of all ages. Alongside his wife, Toshie, he later established the Soka University Guidance Seminar House in Nagano Prefecture, where they welcomed students studying abroad and opened their home as a place of encouragement and support.

Miura’s path as an artist was deeply shaped by personal hardship. In 1986, his 1-year-old son died in a tragic accident. The devastating loss plunged him into despair. Years later, while illustrating a children’s book titled My Big Brother, he transformed his grief into art that offered comfort and hope to others facing sorrow.