Announcement of Exhibition about the Founder

Toda University—a university without a campus (In the case)

Founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda first met his mentor, Josei Toda, on August 14, 1947. During the encounter, the then 19-year-old young Ikeda was determined to study the “The Philosophy of Life” with Toda as his mentor. In January 1949, Ikeda joined Toda’s business.

As Toda’s business was becoming increasingly difficult, he invited young Ikeda to his home one day in January 1950 on New Year’s Day and said, “Would you quit night classes? Instead, I will take full responsibility and provide you one-one-one instruction as your private tutor.” From this day, Toda’s one-to-one private lessons started. Toda used every moment he could spare until the day of his death to hold lessons with Ikeda. The founder recalled, “For over a decade, my mentor gave me private lessons one to one, every day and from morning to night on Sundays, touching on history, literature, philosophy, economics, science, organizational theories, and more across all areas of scholarship. But above all, I learned from my mentor’s character and personality.” “Toda University” was named by Toda himself. In his essays and speeches, the founder introduced all the lessons he received from Toda as “Toda University”.

What is the future of “Toda University”?

The founder said “Ninety-eight percent of what I am today is all that I learnt from my mentor”. (Soka Kyoiku)

“The Soka (value-creating) Education System was founded in the hope that I would be able to pass on to future generations the kind of humanistic education I have received,” and “Toda University” has been succeeded on through the founding of Soka University.”

Exhibits

Learning materials used in Toda University:

Eiji Yoshikawa. (1955). Shin Heike Monogatari (Vol. XVIII). The Asahi Shimbun Company.

Ikeda’s writing reads: Finished re-reading on June 7, 1966

Eiji Yoshikawa. (1965). Shihon Taiheiki (Vol. I). The Mainichi Newspapers.

Ikeda’s writing reads: Finished re-reading on August 23, 1966 (on a plane)

Nobuo Hayashi. (1952). Hogaku Gairon (Introduction to Law). Hyoronsha.

Kojiro Wada. (1948). Hogaku Genron (Principles of Law). Keibundo Shoten.

Mitsuo Taketani (Ed.). (1950). Genshiryoku (Nuclear Power). The Mainichi Newspapers.

F. Sherwood Taylor. (1953). Kagaku (Chemistry), The World of Science Vol. V (T. Shirai & R. Kuwaki, Trans.). Kawade Shobo.

This book has been designated as part of Soka University’s precious collection. F. Sherwood Taylor was a historian of science in modern Britain. He held such positions as Lecturer of the University of London, Curator of the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, and Director of the Science Museum in South Kensington. He is also renowned for his studies on the history of alchemy. This book used to be the state-of-the-art textbook in the field of science at that time.

E. Ozawa, H. Takai, and Y. Oda (Eds.). (1952). Shiryo Nihonshi (Archives of Japanese History). Shimizu Shoin.

(First edition was published on April 10, 1952; this book was the 27th edition published on May 20, 1953）

The book can be characterized as an organic integration of an introduction to history and an encyclopedia, aimed to deepen historical understanding of the readers. The book is marked with underlines throughout and a signature reading “Daisaku Ikeda” on the end leaf of the back cover. It has been designated as part of Soka University’s precious collection. Of the editors, Eiichi Ozawa served as professor of Tokyo Daisan Normal School and manager of the affiliated elementary school, and later as professor of Tokyo Gakugei University. In 1951, he was sent to France as a Japanese representative to the History Education Study Group of UNESCO. His works include Nihon Bunka no Keisei – Kodaihen (Development of Japanese Culture – Ancient Period). Hiroshi Takai used to teach at Tokyo Women’s Normal Higher School and Gunma University. Yasumasa Oda became a committed librarian of the National Diet Library after working at the Graduate School of Kyoto University, Tokyo University of Arts and Sciences, and the Naval Paymasters’ School.

Kanae Hatano. (1950). Keizaigaku Nyumon (Introduction to Economics). Nippon Hyoron Sha.

(First edition was published on February 20, 1950; this book was the 8th edition published on September 20, 1951)

The book is marked with notes and underlines throughout and a signature with a date reading “Daisaku Ikeda, May 7, 1952” on the back cover. It has been designated as part of Soka University’s precious collection. The author, Kanae Hatano, was one of the founders of “Kyushu Economic Research Group” founded in 1946, when he was a professor at Kyushu University. He was also active as a politician and served as a Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Katayama Cabinet. The book discusses how economics and people’s daily lives are deeply connected while constantly considering the specific relationships that form the foundation of the theoretical structures of economics.

The intense pride of a “Toda University" graduate

"I will take full responsibility and provide you one-on-one instruction as your private tutor," said Josei Toda. To support Toda who was in dire circumstances, founder Ikeda had to quit school. In return, Toda thoroughly taught him all fields of study thoroughly on a one-to-one tutoring basis. In the lectures at “Toda University”, taking notes was not allowed. Toda repeatedly asked a series of difficult questions that made me break out in cold sweat. Every single question was a serious battle of victory and defeat that was etched in my life. Day in and day out, Toda poured all his energy into one young man. “Toda University' was the best one-on-one private university that no other university could ever surpass.
 

Founder Ikeda said it was through his studies at “Toda University” that he was able to deepen his dialogue with world leaders and receive honorary academic titles from many universities around the world.
In his acknowledgment speech at the conferment ceremony, founder Ikeda repeatedly expressed his pride in being a graduate of “Toda University," as well as his sincere gratitude to his mentor, Josei Toda.
 

*In this exhibition, the names of countries and regions, universities, academic instiutions, and titles of individuals are, in principle, the names used at the time of the event.
The number of academic honors conferred is as of November 2010.

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Singapore Soka Kindergarten
1993, Tampines, Singapore

Sapporo Soka Kindergarten
1976, Sapporo, Japan

  Mottoes of Soka Kindergarten  

  Be strong, just and free
 

Soka Happiness Kindergarten
2008, Seoul, Korea

Hong Kong Soka Kindergarten
1992, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Soka Elementary School
1978, Tokyo, Japan
Kansai Soka Elementary School
1982, Osaka, Japan

  Mottoes of Soka Elementary School’s

　＜Junior grade＞Be cheerful, be considerate of others and keep persevering
　＜Senior grade＞Be open-minded, friendly and determined

Soka University of America
2001, California, America

  Foundung Principles of SUA

  Be philosophers of a renaissance of lefe.

  Be world citizens in solidarity for peace.

  Be the pioneers of a global civilization.

Soka Women’s College
1975, Tokyo, Japan

  Foundung Principles of Soka Women’s College

  Be a person of intelligence, happiness and virtue.

  Be a person of principle working for harmony for all.

  Be a person with a global view and social wisdom.

Soka University
1971, Tokyo, Japan

  Foundung Principles of Soka University

  Be the highest seat of learning for humanistic education.

  Be the cradle of a new culture.

  Be a fortress for the peace of humankind.

Malaysia Soka Kindergarten
1995, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Soka International School Malaysia
2023, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

  Mottos of Soka International school Malaysia

  “Be a Genuine Learner” and “Be a Global Citizen”

Brazil Soka Schools
2001, Sao Paulo, Brasil

  Mottoes of Brazil Soka Schools

  Common sense, Hope, Wisdom

Soka Junior and Senior High Schools
1968, Tokyo, Japan

Kansai Soka Junior and Senior High Schools
1973, Osaka, Japan

  Mottoes of Soka Junior and Senior High Schools

  Wisdom, Glory, Passion

  Common sense, Good health, Hope

Exhibits

Souvenirs of Soka Gakuen（Tokyo）

Souvenirs of Singapore Soka Kindergarten

Souvenirs of Soka Happiness Kindergarten

Souvenirs of Soka University of America

Souvenirs of Malaysia Soka Kindergarten

Souvenirs of Hong Kong Soka Kindergarten

Souvenirs of Sapporo Soka Kindergarten

Souvenirs of Soka Gakuen（Kansai）


New Year’s greeting card from Soka Happiness Kindergarten in South Korea
Hello, we are writing from Soka Happiness Kindergarten in South Korea. During 2021, even though our lives were restricted and we had to put on masks due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we took on the challenge to continue to grow by practicing the new mottos of Soka Happiness Kindergarten, which is to be Robust, Upright, and Free.
We made this greeting card because we wanted to celebrate the New Year together with our brothers and sisters of Soka University.
Since 2022 is the year of the Tiger, the little princes and princesses of Soka Happiness Kindergarten have taken a photo expressing the Tiger in many different poses to share their feelings with all of you.
The rainbows in the background represent the rainbow tunnel of the kindergarten.
This year, in 2022, we will all strive to be brave and courageous like the Tiger, so please support us! Thank you and have a Happy New Year. 2021.12.17

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Apr. 1, 1974　USA　University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
　Toward the Twenty-first Century

Jan. 10, 1975　USA　Japan Society
　For a Global Society Based on Equality and Mutual Benefit

May 27, 1975　USSR　Moscow State University
　A New Path to East-West Cultural Exchange

Apr. 22, 1980　China　Peking University
　Toward a New Vision of "The People": Observations on China

Mar. 5, 1981　Mexico　University of Guadalajara
　On the Mexican Poetic Spirit

May 21, 1981　Bulgaria　University of Sofia
　A Harmonious Fusion of the Cultures of East and West

Jun. 7, 1983　Romania　University of Bucharest
　Standing at the Crossroads of Civilizations

Jun. 5, 1984　China　Peking University
　The Great Path to Peace: A Personal Observation

Jun. 9, 1984　China　Fudan University
　People as the Protagonists of History
Jun. 14, 1989　France　Institut de France
　Art and Spirituality in East and West

Mar. 1, 1990　Argentina　University of Buenos Aires
　The Cosmopolitan Spirit in a Land of Cultural Fusion

May 28, 1990　China　Peking University
　The Path of Education, the Bridge of Culture: A Personal Observation

Jan. 30, 1991　Macau　University of Macau
　Arousing a New Global Awareness
Apr. 21, 1991　Philippines　University of the Philippines
　Peace and Business: Toward a Universal Spirit of Fairness and Justice

Sep. 26, 1991　USA　Harvard University
　The Age of "Soft Power" and Inner-Motivated Philosophy

Jan. 30, 1992　Hong Kong　Chinese University of Hong Kong
　The Chinese Humanist Tradition

Feb. 11, 1992　India　Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti
　Toward a World without War: Gandhism and the Modern World

Jun. 24, 1992　Turkey　Ankara University
　A New Silk Road from the Cradle of Civilization

Oct. 14, 1992　China　Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
　The Twenty-First Century and East Asian Civilization

Jan. 29, 1993　USA　Claremont McKenna College
　In Search of New Principles of Integration

Feb. 12, 1993　Brazil　Brazilian Academy of Letters
The Hopeful Dawn of a Humanistic Civilization

Sep. 24, 1993　USA　Harvard University
　Mahayana Buddhism and Twenty-first Century Civilization

Jan. 31, 1994　China　Shenzhen University
　The Infinite Horizons of Humanism

May 17, 1994　Russia　Moscow State University
　The Human Being: A Magnificent Cosmos

Jun. 1, 1994　Italy　University of Bologna
　Leonardo's Universal Vision and the Parliament of Humanity

Jan. 26, 1995　USA　East-West Center
　Peace and Human Security: A Buddhist Perspective for the Twenty-first Century

Jun. 26, 1995　Spain　Ateneo de Santander
　Toward the Dawn of Twenty-first Century Civilization

Nov. 2, 1995　Nepal　Tribhuvan University
　Homage to the Sagarmatha (Everest) of Humanism: The Living Lessons of Gautama Buddha

Jun. 4, 1996　USA　Simon Wiesenthal Center
　Makiguchi's Lifelong Pursuit of Justice and Humane Values

Jun. 13, 1996　USA　Teachers College, Columbia University
　Thoughts on Education for Global Citizenship

Jun. 25, 1996　Cuba　University of Havana
　Building a Great Spiritual Bridge to the New Century

Oct. 21, 1997　India　Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies
　A New Humanism for the Coming Century

Mar. 23, 2007　Italy　University of Palermo
　The Interaction of Civilizations Leads to a Flourishing Culture of Humanity

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