CHINA and EAST ASIA

Through culture and education, the founder has hewn paths of friendship with China and other East Asian countries.
In September 1968, in the midst of severe social upheavals, he announced a proposal to normalize diplomatic ties between China and Japan. After normalization was achieved, he visited China for the first time in May. 1974. In December of the same year, he held a historic dialogue with Premier Zhou Enlai. He has visited China then, bringing the founder's total number of visits to ten. In addition, he has also built bridges of friendship with Korea, Taiwan, and Mongolia. With a sense of respect, Chinese people describe the founder as an old friend. The golden bridges of friendship that he has been building will be handed down forever.

1984　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by Peking University
The Founder was conferred with the title of Honorary Professor from Peking University, the highest institution of learning in China. Professor Ding Shisun, the President of Peking University, joined by many other faculty staff members and students gathered at the conferral ceremony, where the Founder delivered a lecture titled The Great Path to Peace: A Personal Observation, and called for the pursuit of the great path to peace by placing human beings as the axis of everything. (June 5, 1984, Peking University Library, Beijing, China)


1998　Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy conferred by Kyung Hee University
Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy was conferred on the Founder by Kyung Hee University, one of the leading universities of Korea, in recognition of his “dedication to world peace” and “significant contribution to Korea-Japan friendship through deep insight into the culture and history of Korea.” Kyung Hee University and Soka University pledged at the conferral ceremony that the two universities will unite as one, in their efforts to pioneer a new era of friendship between Korea and Japan. (May 15, 1998, Crown Concert Hall on Seoul Campus, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea)

Exhibits

Reference News

“Reference News (Cānkǎo Xiāoxī),” a Chinese daily newspaper reported on September 11, 1968, the Founder’s proposal on the normalization of China and Japan diplomatic relations. (September 8, 1968).
 

People’s Daily

“People’s Daily (Rénmín Rìbào)” a Chinese daily newspaper reported on December 6, 1974, the dialogue held between the Founder and PRC Premier Zhou Enlai. (December 5, 1974, Beijing, China).
 

“Chunichi Meiryu” Vol. 13 No. 2

Chunichi Meiryu Shuppansha, K.K. featured the Founder in its quarterly magazine “Chugoku Meiryu” Vol. 13 No. 2 in an article commemorating the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic relations. (June 18, 2012)
 

Reference News

“Reference News (Cānkǎo Xiāoxī),” a Chinese daily newspaper reported on September 11, 1968, the Founder’s proposal on the normalization of China and Japan diplomatic relations (September 8, 1968).
 

People's Daily (Rénmín Rìbào) Overseas Edition Japan Monthly Special Number Insui Shigen (to remember the sources) ―Daisaku Ikeda and the path of friendship between Japan and China

“People's Daily (Rénmín Rìbào) Overseas Edition Japan Monthly,” an official journal of the Central Committee of the CCP issued a special number to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations titled “Insui Shigen (to remember the sources) ―Daisaku Ikeda and the path of friendship between Japan and China” (September 29, 2012).
The issuer Wu Xiao Le wrote a message on the release of the special number “Insui Shigen ― When you drink water, never forget who dug the well” is a famous remark made by Premier Zhōu Ēnlái upon normalizing China-Japan diplomatic relations. The Founder was one of the men who dug the well of friendship between China and Japan. It is a well-known fact that his proposal for the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations made on September 8, 1968, was the source of the historical tide toward normalization of our diplomatic relations.”

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From a conferment speech
Cai Delin (President of Shenzhen University China)

President Cai Delin spoke fondly of the following aspects of the founder's life. As early as 1968, the founder's outstanding political and historic insight drove him to propose that China return to the international community through joining the U.N. The founder also contributed to the normalization of diplomatic ties between China and Japan. Since then, he has maintained his belief that friendship between China and Japan is the key for peace in Asia, and even the world. Furthermore, the founder has promoted a broad range of exchanges between the two nations.

(November 4. 1993: Soka University Ikeda Auditorium)

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From an acknowledgement speech
"My call for the normalization of relations [between China and Japan] was a challenge l undertook at the risk of my life in order to open the way for a future of friendship. I was determined to overcome every obstacle for the sake of the young people of both Japan and China. This had been my commitment ever since the days of my youth, and I began to build golden bridges of absolute trust with countries around the world, including China."
(May 4, 2008: Conferment ceremony for the title of Lifetime Professor from Yanan University, China

 

1968　Proposing to normalize diplomatic ties between China and Japan

At the 11th Soka Gakkai Student Division Meeting, the Founder called for the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations and emphasized that it is essential that Japan be on friendly terms with China for the realization of peace in Asia. (September 8, 1968, Nihon University Auditorium, Sumida, Tokyo)

 

1974　During the founder's first visit to China

When the Founder was invited the Children’s Palace in Beijing for International Children's Day during his first visit to China, he received an enthusiastic welcome from the boys and girls who were to bear the future of China. Taking the children’s hands, he told them “I came here to meet you.” (June 1, 1974, Beijing Working People's Cultural Palace, Beijing, China)

 

1974　Historic dialogue with Premier Zhou Enlai

The Founder met with Premier Zhou Enlai. This historical dialogue was realized because Premier Zhou, who was working hard for the people despite his illness, wished to see the Founder “no matter what the circumstance.” The Founder kept his promise with Premier Zhou to serve as the golden bridge of friendship between Japan and China. (December 5, 1974, 305 Hospital, Beijing, China)

 

1975　The first student from China since the end of World War Ⅱ

When Japanese universities were still reluctant to accept international students from China, the Founder himself served as the guarantor to accept six Chinese students at Soka University. These students have now become the leaders of various sectors in China and are active at the frontlines of China-Japan friendship.
(April 7, 1975, Soka University, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

1975　Interview with Supreme Leader Deng Xiaoping (then Deputy Prime Minister)

During his third visit to China, the Founder met Deputy Prime Minister Deng Xiaoping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. They exchanged views on perpetual peace between Japan and China, in Asia, and the world. (April 16, 1975, Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China)

 

1980　Visiting the home of Madam Deng Yingchao

The Founder and his wife visited the home of Madam Deng Yingchao, the wife of the late Premier Zhou Enlai in Beijing. Madam Deng told them that “I made a promise with comrade Enlai when we were both young. That was to serve the people.” (April 22, 1980, home of Madam Deng Yingchao, Beijing, China)

 

1998　The 20th Zhou Cherry Tree Viewing to celebrate the 100th year since the birth of Zhou Enlai

In regard of Premier Zhou’s sentiments for China-Japan friendship and his memories of leaving Japan when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, the Founder proposed that a cherry tree be planted by the hands of the first six Chinese students who came to study at Soka University. The Chinese students and Soka University students together planted the Cherry Tree of Zhou Enlai in November 1975. Up until today, those invited from the Chinese Embassy and many Japanese citizens gather to enjoy the cherry blossoms and engage in cultural exchange during the Annual Zhou Enlai Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival. (April 12, 1998, Soka University, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

1998　Appointed Honorary Professor of Nankai University and Honorary Director of the Zhou Enlai Research Center

The Founder was appointed as the Honorary Professor by Nankai University (China), Premier Zhou Enlai’s alma mater and Honorary Director of Zhou Enlai Research Center of the university. Nankai University President Hou Zixin cited the proverb of Insui Shigen (Drink Water, but Remember the Source) to commend the founder for “making significant contributions to the friendship between China and Japan.” (November 25, 1998, Soka International Friendship Hall, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Exhibits

Exchange protocol with Peking University

Peking University was the first university in China that Soka University concluded an academic exchange agreement. The Founder signed the document on April 22, 1980. 

Manuscript of “Thoughts about Peking University” (copy)

A manuscript of “Thoughts about Peking University” submitted to Yomiuri Shimbun after returning from his first visit to China (May 29 – June 16, 1974). The essay was published in the evening paper dated June 28, 1974.

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The founder stated that Premier Zhou believed that the establishing of friendly relations between China and Japan will provide peace and security in Asia, thereby enabling the region to lead the world towards peace. The founder said that he just wanted to take some kind of action in response to the trust that Premier Zhou showed him.
(April 12. 2007: During the dialogue between Premier Wen Jiabao and the founder)

 

1992　Conferral of the title of Honorary Research Professor by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

The Founder was the first to be conferred the title of Honorary Research Professor by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the most prestigious academy in China. Hu Sheng, President of the Academy praised the Founder as “having been committed to the friendship and exchange with China since before the restoration of diplomatic relations” and “having built a golden bridge of friendship between the two countries as a pioneer of peace and goodwill.” The Founder delivered a lecture titled The Twenty-First Century and East Asian Civilization.
(October 14, 1992, Academic Report Hall of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China)

 

1994　Delivering a commemorative lecture at Shenzhen University

During his ninth visit to China, the Founder delivered a commemorative lecture titled The Infinite Horizons of Humanism at Shenzhen University. Comments heard from participants of the lecture included, “A flood of rich knowledge and intelligence as wide as the universe. Mr. Ikeda’s intellectual world has no borders.” (January 31, 1994, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China)

 

1999　Dialogue with the leader of South Korea, Lee Soo-sung

The Founder welcomed the former Prime Minister of South Korea and former Chancellor of Seoul National University Lee Soo-sung, who is also a philosophical leader of South Korea. The two discussed themes such as politics for the people, the power of peace and culture, and the importance of education.
(December 2, 1999, Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

1980　Meeting with Chang Shuhong, director of Dunhuang Relics Research Institute

The Founder held a dialogue with the world’s leading authority of Dunhuang art and Silkroad studies, Mr. Chang Shuhong. Their dialogue on the roots of the Lotus Sutra and Silkroad arts was published as “Tonko no kosai (The Radiance of Dunhuang: On Beauty and Life)” in 1990.
(April 23, 1980, Peking Hotel, Beijing, China)
 

1984　Meeting with Ba Jin, chairman of the Chinese Writers Association

The Founder and Mr. Ba Jin, Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association and Chairman of the Chinese Pen Center met for the fourth time at Mr. Ba Jin’s home in Shanghai. When the Founder expressed sincere consideration for the great writer’s health, Mr. Ba Jin replied, “Friendship is the best medicine” in delight of their reunion.
(June 10, 1984, Mr. Ba Jin’s home, Shanghai, China)

 

1984　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by Fudan University

The title of Honorary Professor was conferred by Fudan University, a prestigious university based in Shanghai. The Founder delivered a commemorative lecture titled People as the Protagonists of History, emphasizing that we must end, as soon as possible, the times in which the common people had to take a secondary role throughout the traditional historical perspective of China.
(June 9, 1984, large classroom on the 4th floor of the annex building of Fudan University, Shanghai, China)

 

1995　Meeting with Jin Yong, one of the greatest authors in modern Chinese literature

The Founder met Jin Yong (pen name), one of the greatest authors in modern Chinese literature and Hong Kong’s representative thought leader at his home in Hong Kong. Known as the most brilliant writer of his time, Jin Yong’s novels have a widespread following and readership in Chinese communities worldwide. The record of their dialogue was characterized by their common belief in fighting persecution to keep one’s faith.(November 16, 1995, home of Jin Yong, Hong Kong)

 

2008　During a reunion with President Hu Jintao

The Founder and Chinese President Hu Jintao met for the third time after an interval of 10 years. President Hu thanked the Founder saying, “Mr. Ikeda, you have been committed to the friendship between China and Japan for many years. When the friendship between the two countries was experiencing difficult situations, you played an important role to overcome political difficulties from a higher historical viewpoint.” (May 8, 2008, Tokyo)

 

1998　Hosting President Natsagiin Bagabandi of Mongolia, during his visit to Soka University

Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi visited Soka University. In a commemorative lecture he delivered, he said “We will never back down from reform. We are committed to developing education as the most important sector of society.” He also expressed his gratitude for the Founder who made great efforts to promote the exchange between National University of Mongolia and Soka University, which has an important part in the friendship between Japan and Mongolia. (May 14, 1998, Soka University Ikeda Auditorium, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

1990　Viewing the exhibit, "Masterpieces of European Oil Painting," in Seoul, Korea

Tokyo Fuji Art Museum’s “Masterpieces of Western Paintings” Exhibition opened in Seoul, South Korea. At a reception to celebrate the opening, the Founder shared his appreciation for South Korea to which Japan is culturally indebted, and his wish to continue on the great path of friendship and culture between the two countries. (September 22, 1990, JoongAng Ilbo, Ho-Am Art Museum, Seoul, South Korea)

 

2007　Dialogue with Premier Wen Jiabao

The Founder met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who visited Japan after six and a half years. Premier Wen and President Hu Jintao, were leading the People’s Republic of China together.. At the meeting, they reaffirmed their eternal friendship on this occasion of the 35th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and China. Premier Wen expressed his empathy and understanding that Soka’s philosophy is about compassion and creativity. They agreed to further promote youth and cultural exchanges. (April 12, 2007, Tokyo)
 

2010　During a reunion with Tang Jiaxuan, honorary advisor of the China-Japan Friendship Association

The Founder had a meaningful dialogue with Tang Jiaxuan, Honorary Advisor of the China-Japan Friendship Association and former State Councillor of China along with Cheng Yonghua, Chinese Ambassador to Japan. Before the meeting, in a speech delivered at the Central Tower of Soka University, Honorary Advisor Tang thanked the Founder, “the Chinese people will never forget Mr. Ikeda’s vital contributions for rebuilding and developing the relationship between China and Japan, and his extraordinary efforts he made in respect of the bigger picture of Sino-Japanese friendship.” (March 13, 2010, Seikyo Shimbun, Shinjuku, Tokyo)

 

2009　International Symposium of the Founder's Ideals

“The 5th International Academic Symposium on the Philosophy of Daisaku Ikeda —Humanism and the Development of Humankind” was held at Liaoning Normal University in Dalian. Around 150 researchers and more than 80 graduate and undergraduate students participated in the symposium from 50 universities and 10 associations from all over China to share wide-ranging research on the Founder’s peace philosophy, perspectives on education, and cultural movements.
(October 24, 2009, Academic Report Hall of the Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China)

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President Shusheng spoke fondly of the founder saying that he has received acclaim as a person who "dug the well" of friendship between China and Japan, and that he is one of the greatest figures of the century for building a golden bridge of peace through culture and education.

(December 16, 1999: From the speech by President Jiang Shusheng of Nanjing University)

 

1990　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by Wuhan University

The Founder became the first Japanese to be conferred the title of Honorary Professor by Wuhan University. President Qi Minyou of Wuhan University commended, “Mr. Ikeda is the ‘driving force’ for opening the way to a great future for humanity.” (November 3, 1990, Soka University Central Gymnasium, Tokyo)

 

1996　Honorary Doctorate of Letters conferred by the University of Hong Kong

The Founder became the first Japanese to be conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Hong Kong, one of the most prestigious universities in Asia. Notable members from political, economic, academic, journalistic, and other quarters of society gathered for the solemn conferral ceremony, including Christopher Francis Patten, Governor of Hong Kong and Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong, and Cheng Yiu-chung, President of the University of Hong Kong.
(March 14, 1996, Main Building of the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

 

1999　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by Nanjing University

The Founder was conferred the first Honorary Professor title awarded to a Japanese by Nanjing University. Nanjing University President Jiang Shusheng commended the Founder as a ‘great man of the century’ who has built a golden bridge of peace through culture and education.”
(December 16, 1999, Soka University Central Tower, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

1995　Honorary Doctorate of Social Sciences conferred by the University of Macau

The Founder was conferred the first Honorary Doctorate of Social Sciences awarded to a Japanese by the University of Macau, a bridge between the civilizations of East and West and the highest institution of learning in Macau. During the conferral ceremony, Jorge Rangel Macau Undersecretary for Administration, Education and Youth and Deputy Chancellor of the University of Macau praised the Founder as “an exemplary model of a global citizen” and “the most outstanding envoy of peace and co-existence.” The Founder received an honorary title from the university in 1991 and was appointed Honorary Director of the Centre for Japanese Studies in 1993. (November 14, 1995, University of Macau Cultural Center)

 

1997　Honorary Doctorate of Humanities conferred by the National University of Mongolia

Honorary Doctorate of Humanities was conferred on the Founder by the National University of Mongolia. Tserensodnomyn Gantsog, President of the National University of Mongolia, acclaimed the Founder for his “outstanding achievements dedicated to human development, prosperity, peace and humanitarian work.” (November 8, 1997, Ikeda Auditorium, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

2000　State Council of China presents Founder with the 1st Honorary Doctorate from Northeast Normal University

The Founder was awarded the first Honorary Doctorate conferred by the Northeast Normal University, a distinguished institution for teacher training in China. The title of Honorary Doctorate is the highest honor awarded based on the decision of the Academic Degree Committee of the State Council. Upon his visit to Japan, Northeast Normal University President Shi Ningzhong conferred the title to the Founder “as a representative of the Chinese nation.” (March 10, 2000, Chinese Embassy, Minato, Tokyo)

 

2000　Honorary Doctorate of Social Science conferred by the Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Founder was the first Japanese conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Social Sciences by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which was the first partner institution for Soka University to conclude an exchange agreement. In his nomination speech, Professor Andrew Parkin of the Chinese University of Hong Kong praised the Founder, “Mr. Ikeda serves humankind through education and art, in pursuit of peace and to foster people of good will.” The conferral ceremony was grand as it was also meant to celebrate the Founder’s 20th visit to Hong Kong. (December 7, 2000, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

 

2000　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by Sun Yat-sen University

The Founder was conferred the title of Honorary Professor by Sun Yat-sen University, which was founded by Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China. Sun Yat-sen University President Wang Xunzhang thanked the Founder saying, “The Chinese people will never forget Mr. Ikeda’s noble contribution to China,” and continued, “Sun Yat-sen University and Soka University are very much common in that Mr. Sun Yat-sen and Mr. Ikeda founded and devoted their lives to the respective universities in pursuit of world peace and welfare of mankind.” (November 17, 1996, Soka University Ikeda Auditorium)

 

1999　Honorary Doctorate of Korean Language & Literature conferred by Jeju National University

Honorary Doctorate of Korean Language & Literature was conferred on the Founder by Jeju National University, a prestigious university in South Korea. This was the first time the title was awarded to a foreigner. Jeju National University President Cho Moon Boo introduced the Founder with the following words, “Mr. Ikeda is a great friend of South Korea. He insists that Japan is profoundly indebted to our country and her culture, and seeks to build a bilateral relationship that looks to the future.”
(May 17, 1999, Jeju National University, Jeju Island, South Korea)

 

2010　Conferral of the title at Honorary Professor by Tsinghua University

The Founder was conferred the title of Honorary Professor by Tsinghua University, China’s top university. Tsinghua University President Gu Binglin extended his utmost respect to the Founder’s devotion to the friendship between China and Japan, and cited the words used by Taizong when the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty praised Xuanzang, the words which are said to be the origin of the name of Tsinghua University. He said that he could find no better word to express the Founder’s character, knowledge, culture, and insight. (May 13, 2010, Soka International Friendship Hall, Shibuya, Tokyo)

 

2010　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by the National University of Kaohsiung

The Founder was conferred the title of Honorary Professor by the National University of Kaohsiung in Taiwan, in recognition of his contributions to peace, culture and education. National University of Kaohsiung President Ing-Chung Huang commended the Founder that “he has suggested ways to solve the various problems that face mankind.” (July 29, 2010, Soka University Central Tower, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

2006　Conferral of his 200th academic honor by Beijing Normal University

The 200th of all the honorary academic titles conferred upon the Founder from universities and institutions around the world was the title of Honorary Professor from Beijing Normal University in China. The university’s Vice President Ge Jianping introduced the Founder, “Mr. Ikeda is a “culture” and “spiritual asset” shared by the world.” At the commemorative ceremony, congratulatory messages were sent from more than 200 scholars and university leaders from around the world. (October 7, 2006, Soka University Ikeda Auditorium, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

2002　Conferral of the title of Honorary Professor by Zhejiang University

The title of Honorary Professor was conferred on the Founder by Zhejiang University, also known as the “Cambridge of the East.” At the conferral ceremony, President Pan Yunhe of the university commended the Founder’s contribution to the friendship between China and Japan and to world peace with the following words, “Mr. Ikeda’s paramount achievements for world peace and cultural exchange are an exemplary example for mankind.”
(November 2, 2007, Soka University Ikeda Auditorium, Hachioji, Tokyo)

 

2003　Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy conferred by the Chinese Culture University

The Founder was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy by the Chinese Culture University, one of the leading comprehensive universities in Taiwan, in recognition of his contribution to world peace and for promoting education and cultural exchange. It was the first honorary academic title awarded from a Taiwanese institution.
(March 24, 2003, Soka University Central Tower, Hachioji, Tokyo)

Exhibits

Published dialogues with intellects of East Asia in various languages

Dialogues between the Founder and 12 intellects of East Asia published in various languages
The intellects (honorific titles omitted) Chang Shuhong, Jin Yong, Ji Xianlin, Jiang Zhongxin, Cho Moon-Boo, Tu Weiming, Dojoogiin Tsedev, Jao Tsung-I (Rao Zongyi), Sun Lichuan, Chang Jen-hu, Zhang Kaiyuan, Gao Zhanxiang, Gu Mingyuan  

 

Ornament (ceramic, etc.)

An ornament presented to President Hideo Yamamoto by President Tai Chein of Southern Taiwan University of Technology. An Honorary Doctorate of Engineering was conferred on the Founder by the university (May 28, 2007). March 3, 2009

 

Plate (wood, metal)

A plate presented to Soka University from Jimei University in China. The title of Honorary Professor was conferred on the Founder by the university (November 9, 2011)

 

Commemorative item (crystal)

A commemorative item of Seoul National University Library (South Korea). The Central Library of Seoul National University and Soka University Library concluded an exchange agreement. (December 15, 2010).

 

Plate (wood, metal, etc.)

A plate presented to Soka University from the University of Macau. It was created to commemorate the day of the transfer of sovereignty of Macau (December 20, 1999). An Honorary Doctorate of Social Sciences has been conferred on the Founder from the university. (November 14, 1995)

 

Magazines to which the Founder contributed essays following his first visit to China and “Chugoku no ningen kakumei (The Human Revolution in China)”

After he returned from his first visit to China (May 29 – June 16, 1974), the Founder wrote his impression on the country in a series of essays and contributed them to various magazines and newspapers. Those essays were later compiled and published as “Chugoku no ningen kakumei (The Human Revolution in China).” (Mainichi Newspapers, 1974)

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