South Asia-Korea-West Japan Joint Youth Training Course: Youthful Shin’ichi Yamamotos Engage in Dialogue and Exchange

The South Asia-Korea-West Japan Joint Youth Training Course was successfully conducted on 31 January and 1 February at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre (ACEC), bringing together 133 participants from West Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Vibrant Group Discussions Sparking Inspiration and Encouragement

Throughout the training course, participants actively engaged in group discussions, imbued with meaningful dialogue and exchange, as they explored three key themes, (1) inheriting the spirit of mentor and disciple, (2) shakubuku and fostering the youth generation, and (3) discussion meetings and the youth generation. The sessions were conducted in 19 small groups, encouraging participants to share insights and experiences. 

A young men’s division (YMD) leader from Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) explained that living the spirit of mentor and disciple means not being defeated, while a SGM young women’s division (YWD) leader said sharing the spirit of faith she learnt from her parents and seniors with others is to propagate this spirit. 

In another group, a Soka Gakkai Thailand (SGT) YMD leader noted that members living in rural areas travel long distances to attend discussion meetings, and this motivates leaders to make meetings engaging, ensuring the long journey is worthwhile and that the younger generation would participate actively.

A Korea SGI (KSGI) YMD leader added that South Korea’s population is ageing rapidly, especially in the rural areas; thus, fostering future generations of youth is crucial for kosen-rufu. He expressed joy at his group discussion with Malaysian leaders, noting that it was inspiring and fruitful, and an unforgettable lifelong experience. 

The small group discussions were lively and heartfelt, with several participants sharing personal experiences of overcoming obstacles before attending the training course, while others expressed care and concern for their local members, and a sincere desire to foster the shakubuku spirit.

Experiencing Malaysian Culture, Sharing Determinations for the Future

Participants also experienced Malaysian tradition and culture through various culture booths set up around SGI ACEC, which included a hands-on batik experience and traditional games. They also enjoyed local delicacies such as kopi-c (local black coffee with evaporated milk) and onde-onde (glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated with grated coconut). One highlight was the capteh, a traditional game of kicking a colourful feathered shuttlecock with a rubber base, which attracted strong interest and enthusiastic participation. The activities created a joyful atmosphere of vibrant cultural exchange. 

Reflecting on the training course, Kaori Tanaka, a general prefecture YWD future division vice-leader from Japan said though from different countries, all participants embraced the same mission for kosen-rufu as disciples of President Ikeda. As 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of kosen-rufu in Asia, she strongly felt it was time for youth worldwide to rise up with the spirit of Shin’ichi Yamamoto, a spirit she sensed throughout the training course.

Adding to this, KSGI area YMD leader Park Jisoo felt that President Ikeda’s dream of world peace is taking shape in this training course. He also shared his resolve to enable more members to build a stronger foundation in Nichiren Buddhism and expand kosen-rufu. 

Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS) national YWD vice-leader Ong Xiu Zhen was deeply inspired by the study session with SGI YWD leader Miyuki Horiguchi, in which Singapore and Malaysia were highlighted as part of Asia’s profound mission for worldwide kosen-rufu in the “Vow” chapter of The New Human Revolution, volume 30. For her, this training course serves as an important reminder for youth to strive more earnestly as President Ikeda’s disciples in realising worldwide kosen-rufu. 

Meanwhile, BSG YMD zone leader Nikhil Saxena expressed admiration for Malaysia’s fierce determination in advancing kosen-rufu, and will use his experience in this training course to advance kosen-rufu with fellow members based on the unity of many in body, one in mind. 

Navy Ngoencharoen, a SGT region YMD leader, said his goal is to foster unity in his community and inspire others to strive joyfully, focusing not only on activities but also character and personal growth.

Following that, SGM region YWD vice leader Kavetta Kalaiventhan remarked that the entire training course was lively and enriching. Thailand’s shakubuku spirit and resilience in striving to achieve their shakubuku targets impressed her greatly. 

United by a shared vow transcending borders, the participants, embodying the spirit of Shin’ichi Yamamoto, renewed their resolve to advance kosen-rufu for the sake of building a future of hope in their respective countries.   

Reported by Ashlynn Tham and Leu Bae Huey, photographed by Charlie Low, Jeffery Lum, Lum Heng and Ng Yann Fae