The Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation held its 2026 scholarship award ceremony for international students.

The Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation's 2026 International Student Scholarship Certificate Award Ceremony was held on Friday, May 8, in classroom S201 of our university. This scholarship supports international students (special, undergraduate, and graduate schools) who face financial difficulties in their studies, and was established with support from the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation.

At the beginning, President Yoshihide Akiya gave a greeting and expressed his congratulations, saying, "Please spend your treasured student life at Soka University. And when you return to Japan, I would be grateful if you could share the treasures you gained there with your family and friends."

Following the certificate awarding, two students shared their aspirations. Taikan Yamanaka, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering from China, said, "I will consider what the scholarship is for, and even after entering graduate school, I will continue to grow by applying the human education and expertise I have learned so far."

Vuttisirirattanachai Tassapak (third-year PhD in Graduate School of Science and Engineering) from Thailand expressed gratitude for being able to continue challenging himself with his studies thanks to scholarship support, and spoke about his determination to support his hometown Thai society based on the philosophy of 'Human Education' studied at Soka University and the philosophy of 'Life Geography' written by Professor Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the father of Soka Education.

Takahiro Okabe, Chairman of the Makiguchi Memorial Education Foundation, introduced that the Makiguchi Memorial Education Fund was established by Professor Daisaku Ikeda to inherit the great life of Mr. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and to nurture individuals who contribute to people's happiness and world peace. Touched by Professor Ikeda's passion embedded in the scholarship, I expressed high hopes for the future success of international students.

Finally, President Mika Suzuki said, "Leaving your home country to study abroad is full of hardships and difficulties. However, overcoming them, gaining strength through academic challenges, and growing as a person will bring hope and courage to people around the world. I sincerely wish everyone continued success and growth," he said.