News Headlines

From January 31 to February 1, Soka Gakkai youth from India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand attended a joint training course at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. On the first day, the program featured activity reports from each country, faith experiences, a study session, led by SGI Young Women’s Leader Miyuki Horiguchi, and small group discussions during which the youth shared personal experiences and perspectives.  

On February 1, the last day of the course, SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa led a study and Q&A session on Nichiren’s writing “On the Buddha’s Prophecy.” Recognizing growing division within the world and a loss of hope among young people, he encouraged the youth to build connections and expand networks of goodness.

On January 19, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition held its 41st annual celebration honoring Dr. King’s life and values. SGI-USA participated as a key partner and sponsor, alongside local organizations, public institutions and faith communities.   

Under the theme “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” justice was presented as something to be practiced every day. The event included orchestral music, interfaith prayers and short reflections. Students presented original essays, poetry and music inspired by Dr. King’s principles of nonviolence.

In her keynote speech, award-winning producer and journalist, Bonnie Boswell, emphasized the importance of respecting all people, including those with differing views. There was also a tribute to civil rights pioneers.

SGI-USA is a longtime key partner and sponsor of this annual event.  

On January 19, the Soka Gakkai in Japan donated 150 books to Shirokane Elementary School in Minato Ward, Tokyo, to mark the 150th anniversary of the school’s opening. First Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi served as principal of the school from April 1922 to April 1931. Seeing the purpose of education as the lifelong happiness of children, he strove to introduce a more humanistic, student-centered approach. More books will be donated to the school this year, and the initiative will continue for the next five years.   

Watch A Legacy of Empowerment: Makiguchi and the Soka Gakkai to find out more.