April 24th, 1979 - Call for Justice

Daisaku Ikeda became the third president of Soka Gakkai on May 3, 1960, in Japan. He was forced to resign from its presidency on April 24, 1979, to ease the tension between the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood and the Soka Gakkai lay organization.

Relations between priesthood and the Gakkai had been tense throughout 1970s. This was primarily due to the rising popularity of Daisaku Ikeda and the Soka Gakkai. In March 1979, due to an insensitive speech by the Vice President of Gakkai, the priesthood took a stand against Ikeda. He was asked not to attend large meetings or give guidance. His name was not allowed to be published in Gakkai’s newspapers, Seikyo Shinbun.
Even the Gakkai leaders at the time supported the priesthood instead of standing up for Ikeda.

After the announcement of his resignation on April 24th, Daisaku Ikeda did not go home. He went straight to the Kanagawa Culture Center and reflected upon the significance of Daishonin’s persecution. He took a brush with ink and wrote the calligraphy “Justice,” and in the margin he added “I will carry the banner of justice alone.”

When Daisaku Ikeda was removed as president, his reasoning was that he could protect SGI members from the priesthood’s attacks if he sacrificed himself. He moved out of the president’s office, but he continued to lead the world peace movement from wherever he was. He encouraged members with home visitations, playing piano, composing songs, writing poems, and holding small meetings.

If you are acting to encourage even one person, you are protecting the whole organization.

April 24th is day to pledge to protect our mentor and the members of Gakkai. It is a day to determine that no matter what, we will not cease our efforts for Kosen-rufu.