Ryohei Yagi, Doctor of Medicine and fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), a student in the 13th graduating class of Kansai Soka Senior High School, encounter with Mr Ikeda who walked uphill with them despite being at the peak of his exhaustion after a nationwide tour.

On October 10, 1985, it was the day of the Kenko (Health) sports festival. Ryohei Yagi, acting as a crossing guard, was standing along the slope that leads to an athletic ground. When he saw a car passing through the school gate, Mr Yagi’s heartbeat speeded up rapidly. Mr Yagi thought the car would just drive by, but it stopped in front of the staff members. “What shall I do?” Founder Ikeda who was dressed in casual wear, opened the door. Mr Ikeda met the eyes of each staff worker and said, “What fine faces you all have. Let’s walk together!” Mr Ikeda climbed the slope to the field.

During the festival, the students were impressed by the scene at the end of the marathon when Mr Ikeda encouraged and embraced the final runner, who was exhausted but managed to complete the course. The scene taught Mr Yagi that in life we should be the same as the runner who completes his race. Mr Yagi later learned that Mr Ikeda’s exhaustion was at its peak after touring nationwide to encourage members at that time.