The following is from the May 2026 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.
May 3—when radiant new leaves sparkle and gentle, balmy breezes stir the soul—holds special significance this year as we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the new women’s division in Japan, a harmonious joining of the women’s and young women’s divisions.
In December 2000, after arriving in Kansai on his return from an overseas guidance tour, Ikeda Sensei looked ahead to the “third millennium” and presented a new vision for the second series of Seven Bells[1] at the final headquarters leaders meeting of the 20th century. He stressed in particular that women would be the light of the 21st century, affirming that when they unleash their abilities to their fullest potential, not only the Soka Gakkai but society as a whole will be energized and advance in a positive direction. Furthermore, referring to Nichiren Daishonin’s teaching that women open the gateway (“The Treasure of a Child,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 884), he declared: “In the unending advance of our kosen-rufu movement, it will be women who will open the gateway of good fortune and benefit, of hope, of eternal victory.”
Dr. Elise Boulding, one of the pioneers of peace studies with whom Sensei forged a deep friendship, once reflected on her exchanges with members of the women’s division, emphasizing the vital importance of “women stubbornly persisting in peace work in their communities, like those in SGI organizations.”[2] Like Sensei, our mentor of kosen-rufu, she placed immense hope on the united solidarity of the women’s division—those who foster peace through steady grassroots dialogue.
Throughout Japan, women’s division members are holding small-group general meetings, alive with joyful smiles. I would like to offer my sincere prayers for their resounding success.
Seventy-five years ago, on May 3, 1951, at his inauguration as second Soka Gakkai president, Josei Toda declared his vow to achieve a membership of 750,000 households [within his lifetime]. Sensei attended the inauguration ceremony together with a friend with whom he had been engaging in dialogue and marked the very first step toward his mentor’s goal when his friend embraced faith that day. The tradition of disciples achieving great victories is the very spirit of May 3.
In 1988, Sensei proposed that May 3—the most significant day for the Soka Gakkai—be designated as Soka Gakkai Mothers Day and suggested the creation of a new women’s division banner in three colors: red, yellow and blue. This tricolor banner soon came to symbolize the Soka Gakkai itself. This shared history of mentor and disciple epitomizes the profound importance of women in the Soka Gakkai.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of May 5, Soka Gakkai Successors Day.[3]
In our homes and communities, I hope that all our members—starting with those of the women’s division, who cherish and nurture our young people, the treasures of the future—will unite in striving wholeheartedly to build the Soka Gakkai of the future.
Let us make May 3 a fresh departure, with daimoku grounded in the vow of mentor and disciple!
May 8, 2026 World Tribune, p. 11
References
- Realizing that the Soka Gakkai had made significant steps every seven years since its inception in 1930, Ikeda Sensei announced on May 3, 1958, the concept of the Seven Bells—seven sets of seven-year periods marking key milestones. The first Seven Bells (1930–79) marked the Soka Gakkai’s founding and development. The second Seven Bells (2001–50) center on consolidating the groundwork for peace in Asia and the world. The Third Seven Bells and onward, from the latter half of the 21st century to the 23rd century constitute Sensei’s far-reaching vision for peace. ↩︎
- Elise Boulding and Daisaku Ikeda, Into Full Flower: Making Peace Cultures Happen (Dialogue Path Press, 2010), p. 68. ↩︎
- Soka Gakkai Successors Day (May 5) is designated as a day to celebrate the happiness, growth and success of children in the Soka Gakkai. ↩︎
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