In the space of four months, we achieved a 10-fold increase in membership in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where propagation efforts had long been at a virtual standstill.​​

Today is September 5 (2013). It is the anniversary of that memorable day in 1956 when Mr Toda entrusted me with the mission of blazing the trail for kosen-rufu in the Chugoku Region. At the time, malicious authoritarian forces were beginning to stir and position themselves to attack the Soka Gakkai out of jealousy and resentment toward our organisation’s dynamic growth. My mentor, second president Josei Toda, sent me with strict orders to create a powerful groundswell of propagation and expansion in Chugoku, a region of pivotal importance to Japan.​

I was 28 at the time. I unhesitatingly replied that I would do what he asked. As a disciple, I could not allow the wish of this great mentor of kosen-rufu to become an empty dream. I travelled all over the vast expanse of Chugoku. I joyfully recall how, in the space of four months, we achieved a 10-fold increase in membership in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where propagation efforts had long been at a virtual standstill…​

I am also extremely happy to see the splendid development of our youth division members in Chugoku.