On December 18, 2024, the Soka Gakkai youth division held a commemorative lecture marking the 50th anniversary of the historic meeting between Ikeda Daisaku and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, which took place on December 5, 1974. The event was held at the Soka Gakkai headquarters annex located in Shinanomachi, Tokyo.
The gathering commenced with opening remarks from the Western Youth Division leader, after which guest speaker Kazuhiko Saionji, who is also a visiting professor at Higashi Nippon International University, delivered his lecture. During his presentation, Saionji outlined the historical backdrop of 1968 when Ikeda first proposed the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. He emphasized the courageous efforts of Ikeda, who risked his life to promote friendship between the two nations, alongside Zhou Enlai, whose actions were guided by similar ideals of peace.
"The actions of both leaders were not confined to Japan and China but were instead geared toward achieving global peace," Saionji remarked. He highlighted one of the requirements of globalization: how to coexist with others from different backgrounds. According to him, the exchanges between Ikeda and Zhou offer valuable lessons for us today.
While conveying the importance of learning from history, the speaker urged the younger generation to inherit the aspirations shared by Ikeda and Zhou. He pointed out how their vision for world peace remains unfulfilled and emphasized the need for continued efforts to realize it.
The event, steeped in nostalgia and reflection, was not only about honoring past achievements but also about motivating the youth of today to carry forward the legacy of these two stalwarts who had dipped deep from the well of hope for harmonious international relations.
Simultaneously, December also marked the 70th anniversary of Ikeda's first visit to Hokkaido, which holds significant meaning for the Soka Gakkai community. The year 2024 symbolizes multiple historic milestones for the organization, bridging past achievements with future aspirations.
During the shared reflections on Ikeda's lengthy relationship with Hokkaido, memories of this first visit, which took place on December 27, 1954, were recounted, emphasizing how those early encounters laid the foundation for Ikeda's enduring connection with the region and its members.
Such commemorative events are pivotal for Soka Gakkai members, fostering unity and reinforcing their commitment to Ikeda's ideals of peace, culture, and education.
The series of events this December serve as reminders to the current and future generations about the teachings and commitments made by their predecessors.
