On 31 January and 1 February, the South Asia-Korea-West Japan Joint Youth Training Course was held at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre (SGI ACEC) in Johor Bahru, welcoming 133 youth participants from six countries: Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. The event commemorated the 65th anniversary of President Ikeda’s first visit to Asia.

In response to Mr Toda’s earnest wish for peace and the advancement of kosen-rufu in Asia, President Ikeda embarked on his historic journey in 1961, visiting India on 31 January and Thailand on 9 February. Years later, following his final guidance tour to Asia — South Korea in 1999, and Singapore and Malaysia in November and December 2000 — President Ikeda announced the Second Seven Bells vision, calling for the foundations of world peace to be established, beginning from Asia, in the first half of the 21st century.

Through the training course, the participating youths renewed their determination to become torchbearers of kosen-rufu in their respective countries, united in their pledge to realise their mentor’s vision. 

Opening Ceremony
At the opening ceremony, following a dance performance symbolising harmony in diversity, representatives from the six countries vowed to realise the Second Seven Bells vision.

SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai delivered the opening address, expressing his expectations that the youth would shoulder the mission of advancing kosen-rufu in Asia and the world, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of Mr Toda and President Ikeda. 

Meanwhile, Soka Gakkai young men’s division vice-leader Kazuo Toyosawa called on all participants to advance resolutely on the front lines of kosen-rufu, with the determination that “I will realise worldwide kosen-rufu.”

Opening address by Mr Koh Sia Feai

Greetings from Mr Kazuo Toyosawa

Experience Sharing and Activity Reports
A youth representative from each country shared inspiring experiences of creating value amid adversity. Their stories included overcoming emotional setbacks, navigating challenging work situations, enduring the trials of infertility, achieving academic and professional milestones, and dedicating themselves to the happiness of others. The training course also featured reports on the progress and activities of kosen-rufu in each country. 

The training course also featured reports on the progress of kosen-rufu in each country. In India, new friends gatherings led to over 6,000 new members within three months. Thailand advanced its “100,000 Shakubuku Campaign,” while arts and culture groups in Singapore held concerts that strengthened community bonds. South Korea achieved the  fostering of one newly joined youth member in every block, and West Japan reported significant growth in both new and active members through regular gatherings and extensive home visits. In Malaysia, large-scale peace initiatives such as Run for Peace and the Youth Peace Culture Festival were notable examples of youth-driven action.

Activity report from Singapore

Activity report from India

Study Sessions
SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa lectured on the Gosho “On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” which discusses the Budda’s prophecy for the future, specifically, the “westward transmission of Buddhism” as predicted by Nichiren Daishonin. 

Drawing on President Ikeda’s Gosho lectures, he emphasised that the Latter Day of the Law (referring to our present age) is not a sad era of Buddhism’s decline, but a joyful time in which the Mystic Law will spread widely and all people can attain Buddhahood. He added that its realisation requires both the Law to be propagated –  the Lotus Sutra – and the people who propagate it – the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra.

Another study session led by SGI young women’s division leader Miyuki Horiguchi focused on the “Vow” chapter of The New Human Revolution, volume 30. Reflecting on President Ikeda’s “Seven Bells” vision – a time-based plan to foster youth – she called on participants to deepen their bonds, unite for peace in Asia, and together open a new chapter of kosen-rufu in Asia and worldwide.

Study session by SGI YWD Leader Miyuki Horiguchi

Gosho lecture by SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa

Vibrant Group Discussions and Local Culture Experience

Throughout the training course, participants actively engaged in group discussions, imbued with meaningful dialogue and exchange. 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.

Trees Planting
The training course concluded with the planting of the “65th Anniversary of Kosen-rufu in Asia Commemorative Tree,” symbolising the unity of SGI members across Asia, alongside the “Korea SGI Tree” at the SGI ACEC.

65th Anniversary of Kosen-rufu in Asia Commemorative Tree

Korea SGI Tree