History of Exchange Between Soka University and China
From the Proposal for the Normalization of Sino-Japanese Relations by Daisaku Ikeda
September 8, 1968 (Soka University Founder, Daisaku Ikeda was 40 years old, at the Nihon University Auditorium)
“When the younger generations in both China and Japan come to take a leading role in the affairs of their respective societies, the people of both countries will certainly be able to join together in the cooperative work of constructing a brighter, happier world. It is only when all the peoples of Asia, with China and Japan playing a pivotal role, aid and support each other, that the brutality of war and the dark clouds of poverty enveloping Asia will be dispelled, replaced by rays of hope and happiness.”
Soka University and China (Brief Chronology)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 15, 1903 | Jinsei Chirigaku (A Geography of Human Life) published by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. Book reviews were published in 41 newspapers and magazines, generating a strong response |
| November 1903 | A partial translation of Jinsei Chirigaku entitled “The Relationship between Plants and Life” was in the ninth issue of Zhejiang Tide, a magazine published by international students from Zhejiang Province |
| December 1903 | A partial translation of Jinsei Chirigaku was published in the tenth issue of the same journal as “The Relationship between Plants and Life” (continued) and “Human Geography” |
| February 1904 | Makiguchi started teaching geography to Chinese students at Kobun College |
| April 1, 1906 | The Chinese students translated Makiguchi’s lectures into Chinese, and the Jiang Normal Lectures, Volume 7: Geography was published |
| August -November 1906 | Makiguchi served as a representative of Japan during the visit by the Chinese Education Delegation (Education administrators from various provinces) |
| July 5, 1907 | The Chinese translation of Makiguchi’s Jinsei Chirigaku, entitled Saishin Jinsei Chirigaku (Latest Geography of Human Life), was published in Shanghai |
| April 1909 | Jinsei Chirigaku translated by Ling Tinghui, who studied at Kobun College was published in Shanghai |
| From January 1950 | Ikeda studied organization management, information analysis, and etiquette under, Josei Toda, through Records of the Three Kingdoms (Toda University) |
| January 23, 1954 | Makiguchi and Toda’s Theory of Value is sent to approximately 422 universities and research institutions in 50 countries |
| September 8, 1968 | Ikeda announces the Proposal for the Normalization of Sino-Japanese Relations (Nihon University Auditorium, Tokyo) |
| April 2, 1971 | Establishment of Soka University |
| April 29, 1971 | The China Research Association was founded in the same month as the establishment of the University |
| November 25, 1971 | At the first Soka University Festival, the China Research Association organized an exhibition (held annually thereafter) |
| March 1973 | The first time a Soka University student visited China as a member of the Japan-China Friendship Student Delegation |
| May 30, 1974 | Ikeda visited China for the first time (he visited China a total of 10 times until his tenth visit in 1997) |
| October 27, 1974 | The first Chinese Speech Contest was held at Soka University (held annually thereafter) |
| December 5, 1974 | Ikeda met Premier Zhou Enlai, at Beijing's Hospital 305 |
| March 11, 1975 | Soka University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong signed an exchange agreement (the first exchange partner of Soka University, a British property at the time) |
| April 7, 1975 | 6 Students from China under the Chinese Government Scholarship, were accepted into Soka University with Ikeda as their guarantor |
| November 2, 1975 | The first batch of the Chinese government scholarship students from China planted the Zhou Enlai Cherry Tree on Campus |
| April 1976 | Bekka, an intensive Japanese language course was established for international students, including Chinese students |
| April 10, 1976 | At the Opening Ceremony of the Main Gate, Ikeda walked in alongside Soka University students and international students from China |
| June 1, 1976 | Soka University welcomed exchange faculty members from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (by 2019, Soka University had hosted more than 200 exchange faculty members) |
| November 5-7, 1976 | At the 6th Soka University Festival, the international students put up a stall for the first time (7 students from 5 countries, in Tenku Garden, A Building) Following this, it was called Soka World Snack in 1978, and in 1979 it was named "International Students’ Cafe" that sold international cuisine |
| 1977 | 2 Soka University students went to The Chinese University of Hong Kong as exchange students (Currently, over 1500 students from Soka University have studied in China) |
| June 26, 1976 | Opened the Japan-China Friendship Farm opposite the main gate of Soka University (The area where Tokyo Fuji Art Museum now stands) |
| July 11, 1976 | The Monument of “Golden Bridge” is unveiled in the presence of Ikeda (5th Takiyama Festival) |
| September 8, 1976 | Held the Tsukimi no En (moon viewing party) for Japanese and Chinese Students |
| February 15, 1977 | A collection of letters by Japanese and Chinese students in the form of a magazine called Kyodai(Siblings) is published, and the Monument of 'Japan-China Friendship Farm' is unveiled |
| August 1, 1978 | Dispatched the first delegation of Soka University students to China (after that in 1980, 1982, 1983, 2015-2019, 2023-2024) *Photos are reprinted from "Daiichiji Gakusei Hochu Dan Kiroku" (Records of the First Student Friendship Visit to China) published by the China Research Association |
| April 7, 1979 | Ikeda and Gao Zhanxiang (former chair of the Chinese Culture Promotion Society) plant Cherry trees in memory of Zhou Enlai and his wife Deng Yingchao on campus |
| April 9, 1979 | Holding of the first Zhou Enlai Cherry Tree viewing party (The Peace Garden) |
| April 12, 1979 | Ikeda meets Deng Yingchao (Wife of Premier Zhou Enlai) during her visit to Japan (at the State Guest House) |
| September 5, 1979 | Exchange agreement signed with Peking University (the first bilateral agreement between the two countries - signed with 69 universities by 2024) |
| July 24, 1983 | The 4th Student Friendship Delegation (Zhou Sakura Delegation to China) meets with Ms. Deng Yingchao (Wife of Premier Zhou Enlai) *The Photos are reprinted from "Daiichiji Gakusei Hochu Dan Kiroku" (Records of the Fourth Student Friendship Visit to China) published by the China Research Association |
| June 5, 1984 | Ikeda receives the title of "Honorary Professor" from Peking University, China, first from a Chinese university (at Peking University) (Since then, by 2024, he has received 143 academic honors from universities in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau) |
| March 6, 1985 | Ikeda meets Hu Jintao, President of the All-China Youth Federation (who went on to become the President of the People’s Republic of China) |
| 1988 onward | Short-term study abroad program starts at Wuhan University (Later, similar programs started at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, the University of Macao, and Beijing Normal University.) |
| May 3, 1988 | The Peking University Cherry tree is planted on campus (Since then commemorative cherry trees have been planted for partner universities such as Nankai University and Tsinghua University.) |
| August 1989 | The Renmin University of China Press publishes the translation of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi's Theory of Value (English version) |
| November 1, 1989 | Ikeda receives the Chinese Art Contribution Award (In 1992, Ikeda received the Cultural Exchange Contribution Award) |
| April 1990 | Established the Department of Foreign Languages Specialization in Chinese Studies in Soka University’s Faculty of Letters (Later, the Double Degree Course was established in 2007) |
| May 28, 1990 | Ikeda receives the title of “Emissary of Peace” from the China-Japan Friendship Association (Also received the "Emissary of Friendship between China and Japan" award later) |
| May 31, 1990 | Ikeda meets Jiang Zemin, the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (later the President of the People’s Republic of China) Their second meeting happened in 1998. |
| October 1990 | The dialogue between Ikeda and Chang Shuhong, Tonko no Kosai (working title: The Radiance of Dunhuang: On Beauty and Life) is published Thereafter, a total of 11 dialogues with Chinese experts in various fields were published (1898 Jin Yong, 2002 Ji Xianlin/ Jiang Zhongxin, 2007 Tu Weiming, 2009 Jao Tsung-I/Sun Lichuan, 2010 Chang Jen-Hu, Zhang Kaiyuan, 2012 Gao Zhanxiang, Gu Mingyuan, 2015 Lawrence J. Lau, 2017 Wang Meng) |
| March 17, 1991 | Opening Ceremony of the Bridge of Literature (The nameplate of the bridge is inscribed in the handwriting of Chang Shuhong, Honorary Director of the Dunhuang Academy in China and a recipient of the Honorary Doctorate from Soka University) |
| March 18, 1992 | The Monument of Insuishigen (Proverb: When you drink water, think of its source) was gifted to the University by the International students to express their gratitude and determination (18th Commencement Ceremony) |
| March 28, 1992 | Ikeda received an Honorary Advisor title from Hong Kong City (in Hachioji, Tokyo) |
| October 13, 1992 | Ikeda receives the “Emissary of People’s Friendship Award “ from the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (Also received the “Outstanding Contribution Award for China-Japan Cultural Exchange” later) |
| February 1994 | A special study abroad program for Chinese major students in the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Letters starts at Wuhan University (until the establishment of the DD course in 2007) |
| Spring 1996 | A plaque with “Takiyama Dormitory” inscribed by Su Buqing, the Honorary President of Fudan University put up on the pillar of the Ouka-mon Gate (opposite Eiko-mon Gate) |
| June 28, 1994 |
Ikeda receives Honorary Citizenship from Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (the city's first) (Since then, he has been awarded Honorary Citizenship by a total of 10 cities and prefectures: 1995 Kuqa, 1998 Hotan, 1999 Xi’an, 2001 Guangzhou, Changchun, Turpan, 2004 Qingdao Jiaonan, 2006 Kashgar, Tumxuk) |
| July 2, 1999 | Inauguration of the Central Tower at Soka University Chinese Cherry Pink granite is used for the exterior wall |
| December 17, 2001 | The Daisaku Ikeda Research Center is established at Peking University (the first research institute in China to study Ikeda’s ideals) By 2024, 49 institutions were studying the works and philosophy of Ikeda, including those in Taiwan. |
| September 7, 2003 | A monument of “Japan-China Friendship” is gifted by graduates of the China Research Association |
| 2004 | An exhibition displaying Lu Xun’s writings and related works from Ikeda’s book collection is held (Central Tower) |
| October 14, 2005 | “Reflecting on Daisaku Ikeda and the Japan-China Friendship Retrospective” Exhibition opens (Beijing) Co-hosted the "First International Symposium on Daisaku Ikeda's Ideals" with Peking University (held 11 times as of 2023) (2006 Central China Normal University, 2007 Hunan Normal University, 2008 Beijing Normal University, 2009 Liaoning Normal University, 2010 Sun Yat-sen University, 2012 Shanghai Normal University, 2014 Shaanxi Normal University, 2016 Nankai University, 2018 Fudan University, 2021 Soka University) |
| March 6, 2006 | Soka University Beijing Office opens (Beijing, China) |
| April 2007 | Double Degree Course is established (Since then, approximately 10 students have gone annually to Beijing Language and Culture University for two years to study abroad) |
| April 2007 | Japan-China Friendship Academic Research Grant launched |
| May 2008 | Japanese and Chinese students gather to hold a memorial service for Sichuan earthquake victims (near the Zhou Enlai Cherry Tree) |
| February 2010 | Cheng Yonghua, from the first batch of students to study at Soka University under the Chinese Government Scholarship, is appointed as Chinese Ambassador to Japan |
| November 27, 2010 to March 2014 | “Special Exhibition to Commemorate 300 Honorary Doctorates – The Educational and Academic Exchanges of the Founder of Soka University, Daisaku Ikeda” is held (Central Tower) |
| July 2012 | Central Library’s “China Pavilion” is established Soka University receives books from China to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations |
| October 10 to November 30, 2014 | Exhibition on “Understanding, Friendship, and Peace – Daisaku Ikeda and China” (A Building) |
| April 2, 2015 | The signing of a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Ganquan Foreign Language Middle School for recommendation-based entrance examinations took place, being the first overseas designated school Since then, till 2024, agreements were signed with Dalian No. 16 Middle School, Dalian No. 48 Middle School, Changchun Foreign Languages School, and Study Group for Schools with Secondary Japanese Language Courses. |
| May 9, 2015 | The signing of a document with detailed regulations on third-year transfer with Dalian Polytechnic University Till 2024, agreements regarding the transfer of students have been signed with 13 universities: Beijing International Studies University, Xi'an International Studies University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Shaanxi Normal University, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Shanghai International Studies University, Dalian Art College, Shenzhen University, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian University of Foreign Languages, Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Central China Normal University |
| September 8, 2018 | Held the Japan-China Forum of the New Era (Discovery Hall, Global Square) |
| 2021 | Soka University 50th Anniversary |
| From September 24, 2021 | (The Educational and Academic Exchanges of the Founder of Soka University, Daisaku Ikeda - A Path Paved with Academic Honorary Titles” Exhibition opens (Central Tower) |
| November 11, 2022 | 50th Anniversary Forum for the Normalization of Japan-China Relations (Global Square) |
| August 2022 | An on-demand class, “Soka Education Theory B” by Chinese researchers of Ikeda’s ideals starts at the Distance Learning Division |
| April 2023 | An online course by Chinese researchers of Ikeda’s ideals titled "Ikeda Research in China" was launched as a General Education Course |
| 2024 |
50 years since the Ikeda’s first visit to China and the meeting with Premier Zhou Enlai International Symposium Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Meeting Between Zhou Enlai and Daisaku Ikeda was held at Global Square, Soka University The number of Chinese courses offered at Soka University now totals 86, and the number of students taking Chinese language courses is approximately 3,800 |
Efforts made by Ikeda over the past 50 years for the Japan-China friendship
Peace
Proposed the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations in 1968 and the early conclusion of the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship. He has personally visited China 10 times, and through more than 40 meetings with national leaders such as Premier Zhou Enlai, he carried through with his "actions for peace" to deepen the trust and friendship between the two countries. He also worked to ease relations between China and the Soviet Union which were quite tense at the time.Hailed by China as a person who worked hard to build friendship, at the time of Ikeda's passing, President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message to the Japanese Prime Minister expressing his deep sorrow, calling Ikeda an "old friend of the Chinese people."
Culture
He has held dialogues with many intellectuals, and 11 dialogues were published with artists such as Chang Shuhong, a Dunhuang scholar, and Gao Zhanxiang, former chair of the Chinese Culture Promotion Society. The Min-On Concert Association established by Ikeda has invited more than 40 Chinese cultural groups, including the China National Peking Opera Company, the Song and Dance Troupe, and the China National Acrobatic Troupe, having held more than 2,100 performances since the Beijing Art Troupe of China’s performance in 1975. Tokyo Fuji Art Museum held the first “Masterpieces of European Oil Painting” exhibition in China, the “Treasures from Dunhuang, China” exhibition in Japan, and other similar events, continuing cultural exchanges through art to introduce the charms of both countries.
Education
During his ten visits to China, he donated books to many universities and promoted friendship through education. He has given eight lectures at universities in China, including Peking University, Fudan University, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Since the normalization of diplomatic relations, Soka University accepted the first group of international students sponsored by the Chinese government, while also creating opportunities to bring the two countries closer through international student exchanges, welcoming visitors, and dispatching delegations to China, as well as academic exchanges such as joint research. The path of "educational exchange" paved by Ikeda over half a century continues with the youth of both countries.
Founder's Speech from the Soka University 4th Entrance Ceremony
Please know that wherever I travel around the world, and whomever I meet, you are always with me, in my heart, as my valued, trusted friends. I have, you might say, put down a few points in time and space. What I ask you now to do is join these points into lines and with these lines create the three-dimensional structure of world peace. This is the task that I am entrusting to you as my will and testament.