History of Soka University Student Song
From 50 years of Soka University
In autumn 1972, the 2nd Soka University Festival Steering Committee comprised of the executive chief, 3 vice-executive chiefs (2 representing the classes, 1 representative from gakuyukai – Student Association Club), 43 executive members (representatives from each class, 8 representatives from Student Association Club (gakuyukai), 4 Co-operative representatives). At the 1st Speech Contest held on September 22, aside from publishing the Trace of the Youths (Seishun-no-shupuru) that records the history since the university opened, there were plans to create a student song. Thereafter, the School Song Committee was created and the call for song lyrics applications was held.
After much consideration, the lyrics written by Hiroshi Oki (pen name) were chosen, and the melody written by composer Shin’ichi Kawakami (1st batch, Economics) was selected amongst the others submitted by the music club. After the song was edited, it was announced at the commemorative festival.
The creation committee was initially unable to obtain the real name of Oki Hiroshi to contact him to edit the lyrics. After searching and finally finding his artworks from the Art Club, the committee only managed to contact him a few days before the festival. The editing of the student song continued through late nights even until a few days before the announcement, and the song was finally completed on the day of the announcement on November 24, 3 AM.
The founder arrived at the campus in the afternoon and attended the unveiling ceremony of the monument inscribed with three mottos expressing the founding spirit, held in the garden in front of the Liberal Arts Building. After the unveiling ceremony, he visited the exhibitions held in various classrooms.
The New Human Revolution, Volume 15, Soka University Chapter
The moment to perform the new school song arrived at last.
The chorus sang energetically. Though they’d had only a brief time to practice, their voices merged in perfect harmony as they sang, their voices merged in perfect harmony as they sang,
“Over the scarlet hills covered in blooming azaleas….”
Shin’ichi followed the lyrics on a copy prepared for him by the Steering Committee as he listened. It was a rousing melody. The lyrics too, had a poetic quality, brimming with ideals, hope and aspiration.
The song brilliantly captured the school’s founding spirit.
Shin’ichi was deeply impressed.
When they finished, he picked up the microphone and asked, “Who created this song?”
The composer and lyricist raised their hands.
“It’s really wonderful,” Shin’ichi said. “I was very moved.”
Hearty applause shook the gymnasium.
“But, if it’s all right with you, I’d like to make a few slight revisions. Is that OK?”
The lyricist nodded, and the audience cheered and applauded even louder.
After obtaining the lyricist’s approval, Shin’ichi made his suggestions.
“In the first stanza, I’d like to change ‘Solid white butterflies dance joyously’ to ‘White butterflies dance joyously,’ and ‘A refreshing breeze blows powerfully through the air.’
In the second stanza, ‘The spirit of righteous anger burns in our hearts’ might be better as ‘The spirit of justice burns in our hearts.’
In the third, I’d suggest changing ‘The distant horizon beyond the vast green mountains’ to ‘Mount Fuji in the distance beyond the vast green mountains,’ and the last line from ‘For whose sake do we inquire into the truth of life?’ to ‘For whose sake do we seek the truth of life?”
The student who had written the lyrics was impressed. He felt as if President Yamamoto’s suggestions had hit the mark. They were all parts he had fretted over and worried about until the last minute.
The school’s founder had transformed stiff, clunky phrasing into easily accessible imagery. Now, through the joint efforts of Shin’ichi and the students, the Soka University Student Song had been completed.
Red highlighted parts were edited by the founder
2nd Soka University Commemorative Festival, The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Volume 59
Your stance and passion, truly befitting the ideal of university students, have been fully and clearly manifested in today’s Soka University Festival.
In the future you will all advance on your respective paths, but there is no such thing as a smooth and easy path in life. The bigger your goal or objective, the greater the difficulties you will encounter on your way. The person who overcomes these is a person of outstanding excellence. Once you decide that something is your true path in life, you should consistently exert yourself to the fullest on that path, in your respective position of responsibility, never shirking or seeking to avoid painful challenges. Unless you overcome such challenges, I don’t think you can become “the real thing.” This is the foundational point for human education.
This is why I want the members of the first and second classes to consider yourselves founders of the university and exert yourselves with real determination. Everyone has a destiny or fate that cannot be avoided. When you determine to embrace this destiny, it can be turned into mission and your entire life can made to shine. I hope you will appreciate my sincere expectations and that each of you will carry yourselves as founders of this university.
Speeches from the founder
[Introduction] 50 Years of Soka University (Soka daigaku gojyunen no rekishi), p. 8.
[Introduction] 50 Years of Soka University (Soka daigaku gojyunen no rekishi), p. 8.
In the lyrics to the Soka University song that we all have sung so many times, are the words:
For whose sake do we study the way of humanity?
For whose sake do we build a fortress of peace?
For whose sake do we seek the truth of life?
With unwavering sense of purpose in working for the happiness and welfare of the people, our alumni have bravely challenged the problems and hardships of their youth and of the world in which they live, causing the sun of their creative life force to rise.
[. . .]
From the perspective of the vast and endless future, the 50th anniversary is just the beginning. The light of Soka education shines far into the future, growing ever brighter like the saying “From the indigo, and even deeper blue”; its true value is yet to be discovered.
My dear Soka University students, alumni who are one with me, may you vibrantly and dynamically lead lives of contribution and victory, together with me throughout eternity!
A renaissance
of happiness and peace
on Earth—
You, the suns of Soka,
illuminate the people.
Let us sing our beloved Soka University song together and make it resound in our lives.
Daisaku Ikeda
Founder
50 years of Soka University
Published on April 2, 2021
The Soka Spirit – For the sake of the people.
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Vol 143, p. 218.
The Soka Spirit – For the sake of the people.
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Vol 143, p. 218.
Vice-Deputy Prosecutor Sun, the head of the People’s Prosecutor’s Office of China, has repeatedly stressed the profound significance of the two characters for the word “the people” in the title of this office. He urged that we must never forget the fundamental purpose and meaning of the phrase “for the people,” and that we should always sincerely seek the people's understanding and oversight.
The Soka University student song which each of you has sung many times has the question of “for whose sake?”
The answer is clear:
It is for the sake of the people.
It is for the people who cannot attend university,
and it is for the common people of the world.
30th Soka University Graduation Ceremony,
18th Soka Women’s College Graduation Ceremony
Published in the Seikyo Shimbun on March 20, 2004
Persevere throughout your life on the Great Path of Youthful Vow.
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Vol. 131, p. 46.
Persevere throughout your life on the Great Path of Youthful Vow.
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Vol. 131, p. 46.
As youthful founders, you are all comrades who have worked together tirelessly to build the university. After I shared just a word or two your faces, which had somewhat aged, immediately lit up as if you had returned to your student days.
Having overcome mountains of trials and endured years of struggles while forging your path of mission, you now returned to your alma mater, the hearth and home of your youthful vow!
With all my heart, I said: “Welcome back! Welcome back to your alma mater!"
When the ceremony at the University Auditorium ended, I dashed over to the Central Gymnasium. There, 5,000 alumni were waiting. I wanted to meet all the treasured Soka alumni. The gymnasium is a place filled with important memories; since the founding of the university, it has been a site of passionate expression, carrying the dreams, joys, and struggles of youthful Soka students.
At the conclusion of the ceremony in which the Soka University Highest Honor Award and the Soka Alumni Friendship Certificate were conferred on President Chuluundorj of the Mongolian University of Humanities, there was a chorus of the university’s Student Song. This was a song of mutual support, embodying the vow of the alumni as they go back to their respective battlefields in life, a song of infinite courage.
Writings from The New Human Revolution No.150,
The Gathering of Soka Education Alumni
Published in the Seikyo Shimbun on May 13, 2000
The Founding Spirit of Soka University.
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Vol. 133, p.11.
The Founding Spirit of Soka University.
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), Vol. 133, p.11.
Over the scarlet hills covered in blooming azaleas
white butterflies dance joyously.
The fragrant scent of cherry leaves fills the spacious campus . . .
When I visit Hachioji in May, in this refreshing season of early summer, my heart fills with joy. The words of the Soka University student song spring to mind.
At this time of year, Soka University, proud citadel of learning standing majestically on its hilltop perch, is surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
What a beautiful beacon of hope and illumination it is, shining with youth and intellect!
[. . .]
“Be a youthful founder of the university!” —this is the Soka University spirit that should be passed down eternally through the generations.
After my speech at that festival, the newly composed Soka University student song was performed for the first time ever. It had only been finished just before dawn that morning, and a hastily assembled chorus performed it for those gathered at the festival.
Since there were relatively few students in those first two classes, each student had to play multiple roles at the festival, responsible for exhibits or food stalls. It was thus difficult to find enough people to form a choir. Only after calling on every possible candidate, even dragging out some students who were busily cramming for national examinations, did they manage to come up with enough people.
After listening to their rousing rendition, I suggested some revisions to the lyrics that might improve the song, such as changing a line from “Solid white butterflies dance joyously” to “White butterflies dance joyously,” and “A refreshing breeze blows powerfully through the air” to “A refreshing breeze blows powerfully through the sky.”
I left the final decision up to the students, but they readily accepted my suggestions. The student song was completed through the shared passion of myself and my fellow “youthful founders” to create a wonderful institution of learning.
The Founding Spirit of Soka University
Published in the Seikyo Shimbun on May 3, 2002
Close
Shine in the world! The Light of Soka Alumni!
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu) Vol. 49, p.378.
Shine in the world! The Light of Soka Alumni!
The Writings of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu) Vol. 49, p.378.
Soka Students!
Never forget
for what purpose you study
in this honored castle of Soka Education:
it is to protect the common people,
for the peace and happiness of the people;
it is to work for the absolute happiness
of those who are impoverished and exhausted.
[. . .]
The victory of Soka Education
starts with the flame
that has been lit in your heart
as your vow.
This is the vow shared with friends
on this campus filled with memories
as you gazed on a majestic sunset!
It is the vow of gratitude
for your parents in your hometown.
It is the vow engraved deeply in our hearts
as we together sang
the dormitory song, the school song,
and student song in high spirits!
[. . .]
As my disciples,
never forget the vow you made,
because it is the solidarity of Soka alumni
bound by the pledge of your youthful days
that forms a golden bridge
connecting all the world.
[. . .]
Oh!
All of you with whom I share
this unfathomably deep bond!
Together with me,
create an era in which humanity
is triumphant!
Joining paths of friendship
build bridges of culture,
leave behind a new and victorious history
of peace and humanism.
With courage and perseverance,
bring into being an era in which
the people can proudly declare:
“We have won!
This, above all, is the mission,
the noble vow
you and I share
having committed to
encountering each other
in this lifetime.
Illuminate the world!
Illuminate the era!
Shine brilliantly, Soka alumni!
March 25, 2004
Praying for the glory and victory
of all my beloved Soka alumni.
World Poet Laureate
“Shine in the World! The Light of Soka Alumni” Poem
Published in the Seikyo Shimbun on March 25, 2004
The lyricist of the student song Hirokatsu Nakamura (pen name Hiroshi Oki), and composer Shin’ichi Kawakami from the first batch were interviewed by the university and students on numerous occasions.
Last year, during the editing of the 50 years of Soka University and the creation of the 50th Anniversary Special Exhibition, through the collaborated efforts of Mr. Nakamura’s contribution of original materials to the school, there were many important materials that were related to writing the lyrics of the student song.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the student song (2022), the memo which the lyricist had written and some parts of the interview are introduced below.
Draft of the student song lyrics (1972)
The heart of the student song, 1st batch, Oki Hiroshi
Soka Student Welfare Group Pamphlet
Published on March 3, 1980
31st Soka University Pre-Discussion Meeting
SUN Soka University News No. 31
Published on October 1, 2001
Please allow me to introduce my favorite student song. In my first lecture as a President, I was in charge of a module called Humanistic Education which is mainly for new students. In that class, I asked the students to discuss what comes to mind when they think of the student song lyrics. Many people must have been more familiar with the student song compared to me, so this question might seem to be repetitive, but I have thought about the lyrics in my own understanding.(2022)
Lyrics
Firstly, everyone would have noticed that the last line from the first stanza to the third stanza has the phrase - “For whom”, which refers to the three founding principles of the university.
The question of “For whom are we learning this path of humanity?” refers to the first motto of “Be the highest seat of learning for humanistic education”. The second stanza “For whom are we building a citadel of peace?” refers to the second motto “Be the cradle of a new culture”. The third stanza “For whom are we searching for life’s truths?” refers to the third motto – Be a fortress for the peace of humankind.
“For whom” is the question of “for what purpose should one cultivate wisdom”, and the thoughts of the founder “college exists precisely for those who can’t attend it.”
There are many different ways to decipher the lyrics.
In the blue highlighted parts, the first stanza has the words “pure-white butterflies”, “cherry blossoms”, “lush lawns and groves”, and “fresh breeze flutters through the spring skies”, which refers to the spring and summer seasons. In the second stanza, the phrase “mulberries grow” refers to the autumn season. In the third stanza, “our indivisibility shines brightly” refers to the scenery in winter.
With this, the student song shows how the changing seasons on campus are represented by the use of different colors.
Furthermore, in the first stanza, “dance in joy” (yorokobi-maite) and “youth gather“ (tsudoeru-wakamono) refer to the bright scenery in the afternoon. In the second stanza, “we delve on the vicissitudes of my aspirations” (tasogarekomenu) refers to the scene from evening to night, while in the third stanza “as dawn breaks the still of night” (asahi-wa-noboriyuku” refers to the morning time.
The student song gives a sense of the changes of light throughout the day on campus and of its surrounding area. The order of the song is of no coincidence: bright days in spring and summer, long nights in autumn, cool and clear mornings in winter have been chosen. These are the time frames where the seasons can be best felt.
(Pink highlighted parts)
Looking at the first stanza, we could imagine Soka University built as a white and huge gleaming place of learning. In the second stanza, “castle remains” (shiroato), “castle’s embankment” refers to the Takiyama Castle. In the third stanza, it paints the landscape of Hachioji, with mountains in the distance and where Mount Fuji can be seen from far. In this way, the lyrics expressed and portray the scenery around Soka University.
(Yellow highlighted parts)
“where students take pen, harboring dreams in their hearts” (first stanza)
“With thoughts of our parents, we gaze toward distant vistas” (second stanza)
“our souls kindled by a passion for justice” (second stanza)
“As you dwell fondly on your brave ideals” (third stanza)
“As we pave the path of honor and glory, we ask” (third stanza)
In addition, the yellow parts express the spirit of Soka University students who aspire to learn, stand up for justice and for their parents, and to soar into the world.
In the first stanza, the students are shown to be thinking about their own lives covertly. In the second stanza, it was written that the students are thinking seriously about their families and society, and in the third stanza, they are shown to be finally ready to take action for mankind and the world. It can also be said to depict the growth of Soka University students, from they move from oneself to the world, and expand from ‘knowledge and understanding’ to ‘contemplation and taking action’.
In this way, the student song depicts the various values of Soka University in fullness.
Although I have just been appointed as the President, I hope to make this university where these diverse values of the university can flourish colorfully.
I will listen sincerely to the voices of everyone in the university, and hope to make this university a place where everyone can express their opinions honestly to one another.
Let us all work together to advance and make this university a place where we can all demonstrate our individual personalities, qualities, and abilities while grounding ourselves on the grand design and the President’s vision.
Photos featuring students singing the student song
Photos of students singing the student song were taken by the university staff and student union.
(March 18, 1976)
(October 2, 1976)
(December 20, 1976)
(September 30, 1978)
(July 13, 1980)
(November 1, 1980)
(March 20, 1981)
(September 12-13, 1981)
(April 10, 1982)
(October 29-31, 1982)
(July 16, 1983)
(July 8, 1989)
(November 1, 1994)
(November 1, 1996)
(April 28, 2001)
(December 14, 2003)
(October 10, 2005)
(October 7, 2006)
(October 9, 2009)
(November 7, 2010)
(October 7, 2016)
(March 18, 2017)
(April 2, 2018)
(April 2, 2022)
Student song mural created by the Art Club
A mural depicting the student song, created by members of the Art Club in response to the proposal of the founder, was completed on the basement floor of the Liberal Arts A Building, and was visited by the founder on December 11, 2004.
The mural, 2.3 meters long and 9.4 meters wide, depicts scenes from the student song, including “azaleas”, “butterflies”, “cherry blossoms”, and “mulberries”, in a fan-shaped frame wh Mount Fuji in the background, A total of 128 members including graduates and those related to the Art Club were involved in its production.
※ The basement of the Liberal Arts A Building is currently inaccessible.
Opposite this mural was another mural (2.3 meters long and 14 metres wide) created by members of the Art Club at the time to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Soka University.
A Student Song corner is currently exhibited at the 50th Anniversary Special Exhibition
– 50 years of Soka University at Central Tower.
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Soka University Student Song Questionnaire
Please share your memories or episodes you have on the student song. Please also share what you think of this website project.
The answers received from the questionnaire may be uploaded on this website after confirmation by the institute’s office.
Click the form below to share your memories of the student song
Stories of the Student Song
Current student of Soka University
At the entrance ceremony, I sang the student song with the founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. At that time, I set the determination to be filial to my parents through my studies and grow to be a leader who realizes world peace. After graduating from the university, I went on to graduate school and as I worked hard in my research, I recall back on the student song whenever I face hardships. The lyrics of the student song remind me of the memories at Soka University with the founder and my own determination. I believe that the student song is an eternal bond between the founder and the students of Soka University, a song that connects our hearts.
Soka University Alumnus
When I was still a student, I sang the student song every day. In the school dormitories and after club activities ended. At commemorative events, I also sang countless times with the founder. I knew from my student days that the song lyrics were not written by the founder, but I felt that the lyrics encompass the expectations of the founder and the students’ determination. It was nice to see this commemorative website and it was my first time knowing about how the song was written at that time. Of course, I will never forget singing with the founder on my last day as a student, but the best memory I have of the student song is after the International Students’ Café held during the Soka University Festival, when we formed a circle with international students from many countries at the Tomodochi Garden, shoulder to shoulder, we became one and sang the student song after the international student song. I am deeply thankful to have come to Soka University.
Staff member of Soka University
I feel that the past 50 years of Soka University cannot be described without the student song. During the 50th anniversary last year, many resources and photographs were donated to the university, and we saw many Soka University students singing the student song shoulder to shoulder with one another. We also received precious resources and materials from the creators of the student song and learnt about their thoughts on it. The 50th Anniversary Special Exhibition held at the Central Tower includes a video of the student song being sung for the first time at the 2nd Soka University Festival, as well as the recording of the founder’s voice as he suggested to edit the lyrics with the students. The student song which encompasses the determination of the students was created with the founder and continues to be sung today.
I hope that the student song will continue to be sung throughout generations.
Current student of Soka University
When I was a 5th grade elementary school student, I listened to the student song for the first time when I attended the open campus, as I had long to attend Soka University in wanting to meet the founder. My first impression of the song was that “it is so cool”, I thought. It was then I started to memorize the lyrics, and it became my motivation to study when I hummed to the song. Later, I studied hard as I promised my late grandfather that I would enroll into Soka University. This year, I enrolled into Soka University as the 52nd batch and joined the Pioneer Wind Orchestra. Just like how I was encouraged by the student song before I enrolled in Soka University, I am determined to practice hard every day to convey hope and encouragement to the people who watch our performances as a member of the orchestra.
Soka University Alumnus
My beloved “Student Song”! How many times have I sung this song from my student days till now! I have repeatedly asked myself the question of “for what purpose”, and reflected on my life, advancing together with the “student song” in times of joy and hardship. During club activities (Koto club) and the days when the university was going through its construction. During those days, it was always with the “student song”. Even at the wedding ceremony of Soka alumni (including my own), it would always end with the “student song”. During times when we cannot gather at our alma mater, the “student song” becomes our alma mater itself. I will continue advancing together with the student song.
Soka University Alumnus
Looking at my parents who wanted to repay their gratitude to their mentor in life while fighting on their stage of mission, and the current students who exert themselves as the committee members for events, I decided to enroll into Soka University. As I sang along to the student song while studying vigorously for the entrance exam, I managed to achieve great victory by successfully enrolling in the university. As I sang along to the student song at the entrance ceremony, I was filled with joy that I could finally be here at this university. Since then, I have exerted myself every day as a Soka University student while singing the student song whenever I could. Even though we could not gather at the campus due to the coronavirus, but singing the student song allows us to not lose the spirit of a Soka University student and enables us to continue learning. Even as I face difficulties now as a working employee, I remember the pride as a Soka University student in my heart whenever I hum to the student song. When I think of the mission to show the true value of the university, I think the real starting point as a Soka University student comes after we graduate. Holding the lyrics of “for whom” from the song in my heart, I will continue to walk on the eternal path of humanity.
Current student of Soka University
With the heart for our founder, the dance crew D.I Crew has always been singing the student song before we start our practices. The members of the club would always sing together and call on each other to elevate our life condition as we listen to the voices of us singing the student song. The student song has been part of my youth.
Soka University Alumnus
There was once before the entrance ceremony started, the Ginrei-group choir sang the student song for the students. I decided to join the choir group as I was impressed by their voices. Since then, the annual concerts and the Hagi-no-yube concert would always end with the “Student song”. Since graduation, I have always been humming and singing the student song, which has given me courage countless times. Whenever I hear the prelude of the song, it elevates my spirit and I would straighten my back. I will always treasure this significant student song forever.
CloseThe student song audio and official video are available here
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