Late Madame Rosales says Mr Ikeda’s words not only acknowledged her pain, she explained, but also renewed her love for humanity.

In her conversation with President Ikeda, Madame Rosales talked about her impression of a letter she once received from him. In that letter, she said, Mr Ikeda sincerely apologised for the atrocities that the Japanese army had inflicted on the people of Philippines during Second World War.

She related that SGI President is the first Japanese male leader to ever have offered her a firm apology. She found herself beginning to think more of a hopeful future than dwelling on the bitter memories of the past. Mr Ikeda’s words not only acknowledged her pain, she explained, but also renewed her love for humanity.

Madame Rosales expressed deep gratitude, stating that this letter had deeply transformed her outlook, inspiring her to continue on despite her advanced age to help improve the world through education.