1949, Mr. Ikeda was appointed as the editor for the magazine Boys’ Japan. It was one of the most difficult times for him. In the middle of all these difficulties, Mr. Ikeda shared the concerned of his mentor, Mr. Toda – their main concern was about fostering the successors of the Gakkai.

Even at the beginning of his appointment as the 2nd president, Mr. Toda started to foster capable leaders who will shoulder great responsibilities in the future. With just a few representatives, he formed a junior group. Throughout the activities, the parents participated because the training was very strict. That time, only Mr. Ikeda understood the true intention of Mr. Toda.

He often ponder deeply on how can he impart the spirit of Mentor and Disciple. If we don’t teach, we will not be able to foster capable people of the future. At the same time, Mr. Ikeda also felt sad for those children who are unable to join the training.

1952, in the midst of attacks by the evil priesthood, Mr. Toda carry out his plan to form the junior division, thinking of the future of the Gakkai. The young Mr. Ikeda then was challenging in his shakubuku target to garner absolute victory. The organization membership soared. Junior division members also increased in tandem.

As a result, several chapters begin to establish their informal junior group, on a chapter base unit. One of the venues for the junior group meetings are near to Mr. Toda’s office. Thus, Mr. Toda often visited and gave encouragement there. The attendance to the monthly Junior Group meeting increased. Later, the meetings were further split to district basis.

One leader, who initially disliked taking care of children, was appointed by Mr. Toda to be the chief of the junior group. At first, he was reluctant to accept the responsibility. He was worried that his appointment may distract him from his shakubuku campaign and result in poor result.

Later, he realized that his thinking is very shallow. Watching Mr. Ikeda’s attitude in how he loved and cared for the junior members, he began to like the children. And through his continuous effort in taking care of the children, it touched the hearts of the parents.

In the end, the shakubuku result was growing even faster. During that time, Mr. Ikeda’s son, also brought along his brother and participate cheerfully in the ‘MANKING’ chapter junior group meeting.

Mr. Ikeda said, because of Mr. Toda’s teachings that ‘must enable children to grow on the soil of Soka Gakkai’. That time, the junior group activities were both strict but lively. The foundation in faith and the importance of MAD spirit were cultivated.

1954 – Mr. Ikeda was appointed the Youth Division Chief-of-staff. One day, a mother brought along two of her kids to the kaikan. The brothers are very naughty and fought often among themselves. Their bodies had many bruises. That day, the younger brother’s face has the scratched scar, thanks to the elder brother.

Mr. Ikeda saw them and asked the younger boy – What happened?

Younger brother said, ‘This is caused my elder brother.’

Then, he asked the elder brother – ‘Is it you who scratch him?’

The elder brother admitted by nodding his hear, somewhat embarrassed. Sensei said – Brothers who fought means that the relationship between them is strong.’ Facing the younger brother, he said – ‘But the next time you must not lose. I name you as Napoleon.’

These words were firmly etched in their hearts. The elder brother started to want to have a more harmonious relationship with his brother. And the younger brother, whenever he face problem, he will say, ‘I am Napoleon.’ This inspires courage in him.

After 40 over years, the two brothers still vividly remember the words of Mr. Ikeda during that day. Through the forty years of growth in her children, the mother learned that sincere words towards the junior members are so important.

1959 – Mr. Ikeda chapter chief gave the following direction to the junior group:-

1. Our father is our mentor. Obey and fulfilled the wishes of one’s father as the fundamental point.
2. One must work hard, develop a sense of responsibility, become a person who can lead the Gakkai
3. To become true brothers and sisters among your ranks, and protect the organization with all your might
4. To become the successor in protecting the parent, teacher and sovereign, realizing kosen-rufu.

Because they are children, we need to strictly convey the MAD spirit to them. And also the spirit of protecting the Gakkai. This is the conviction of Mr. Ikeda.

Under the suggestion of Mr. Ikeda, junior div activity became more exciting and colourful. The elder brothers and sisters used sketches, related stories from drawings, perform puppet shows, etc. to teach about the life of Nichiren Daishonin, the fundamentals of Buddhism, the history of the Soka Gakkai, about justice in society and other topics.

One child said he clearly remembered that his seniors once used paper and cardboards to make human figures and acted out the scene of where the Daishonin’s refute the erroneous doctrines of the priests. He can feel the warmth of the seniors.

In their activities, the leaders said – ‘Your parents are working for the sake of the happiness of others. This is very noble work indeed.’ Slowly, the children also feel the pride of being the children of Gakkai. Towards those who had been looked down upon before, and those that were marginalized, this sense of pride gave them enormous courage. Thus, they really look forward to the activities of the future division.

They even feel that it’s such a waste that only they can participate. They started to invite their classmates to join them.

During that time, many MD were actively guiding the junior members. Because it was entrusted by Mr. Ikeda, the MD was very earnest in carrying out their responsibility. They understood that this is the wish of their mentor to foster kosen-rufu successors for the coming fifty years.

1960 – Mr. Ikeda became the president, the big river of fostering junior division become a great river. Expanding to each community in Japan, and each chapter also established their own junior group.

Mr. Ikeda said ‘all of you who are fostering the leaders of kosen-rufu in the 21st century have the most noble mission and your contributions are highly significant. The future division is the first division that was established by Mr. Ikeda.

A writer who had been following the development of the Gakkai commented about the formation of the Junior Division – the Gakkai again established a great cornerstone in its development. This direction is very significant. I believe the Gakkai will experience even greater growth and enjoy great expansion.

Before 1960, Mr. Ikeda had already rejected the request of the appointment as president several times. But at the same time, he was also troubled about the future of Gakkai if he did not take the lead.

The most pressing worry for Mr. Ikeda at that time was how to enable the Gakkai to develop in the future? How to foster the future successors of Gakkai? Once he recalled the directions of his mentor, Mr. Toda, regarding the establishment of schools, universities and the future division, he began to firm up his decision on becoming the president of the Soka Gakkai.

A senior leader asked Mr. Ikeda, ‘Honestly speaking, is it really necessary to put in so much effort for in the future division? I understand that it’s important to think of the future, but there are more pressing matters for us to focus on at the moment.’

Mr. Ikeda said, ‘Use all energy to foster the Future Division is a decision I made after considerable deliberations. You only think of the present, what will happen to the Gakkai in thirty or forty years?’

1962, New Year - Mr. Ikeda said, ‘Because everyone need to help out at home, I only invited a small group of you to join us in today’s Tozan meeting.’ During that time, a high school division representative brought a ‘special class’ flag to Mr. Ikeda. Mr. Ikeda warmly welcomed them and said to the leader, ‘Your group will grow in numbers in the future.’ The high school representative did not fully understand why Mr. Ikeda wanted to establish the Future Division and felt very surprised.

After that, Mr. Ikeda named their group as ‘Fuji Hope Group.’ He was teaching the boys to be like the Mount Fuji, and the girls to bring hope to others. He also made arrangement to produce the future div badge that included the picture of Mount Fuji.

The next New Year gongyo meeting, Mr. Ikeda appoints this high school member as the chief of the Fuji Hope Group. Mr. Ikeda looked at the surprised student and said, ‘You are the chief. Please take good care of everyone.’ And then handed the Akaka’s badge to him.

In this gesture, Mr. Ikeda also taught those who are fostering the successor that a truly capable person is one who can foster successors. From then on, this student visited the junior div often and invited them to their activities. He also visits Mr. Ikeda and brought his children to activities.

Mr. Ikeda joined the Fuji Hope Group activity often. ‘Must study hard. Must care for your parents.’ The guidelines for them have been constant till today. Fuji Hope Group later expanded into the Junior Division, High School Division, and Senior High School Division.

30 years later, 1990, July 3, Mr. Koe formed the Junior Div in Malaysia. Last week, SGM Junior Division celebrated our 20th year commemorative meeting. Each state held their highly significant commemorative meeting. And we all feel very proud that our mentor, despite his tight schedule, wrote a message to us.

I would like to share an excerpt from the message;

To all of you who are brimming with hope, I would like to present the maxim of Victor Hugo, the French literary master whom I like very much during my youth. It goes, “What is my task today? It is to fight. What is my task tomorrow? To win!”

All of you who are living for the future, not leaving behind even a single person, please become fine leaders of justice and wisdom contributing for the sake of the world and the people of Malaysia! For the purpose of this, please always advance step by step from today to tomorrow, challenging day after day, and winning.

There is no need to compare yourself to others. The most important thing is to have courage and patience, be as you are, and cheerfully continue to strive in your efforts.

Nichiren Daishonin teaches: “The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs.” Young as you are, all of you who embrace this highest religious faith, not leaving out even a single person, are lions of righteousness. And, the stage for your active role-play is the whole world!

I am now earnestly building the stage for all of you to play your active role on.
And, I am earnestly praying every day for the good health and growth of all of you, as well as the victory and happiness of all your family members!

In conclusion, I want to urge all KL junior division leaders, we must create moving experiences in this year. For the sake of SGM’s future, for the sake of the entire junior div org and unity, for the children’s future, for fostering the successors, please give an all out effort to protect everyone.

Thank you.

Labels: f. thoughts of chief