Kazue Elliot, SGI-USA Many Treasures Women’s Division Leader, Women’s Senior Advisor

Whenever I remember that day I feel embarrassed and ashamed. Before Los Angeles Chapter was established in October 23, 1960, I was striving my hardest to bring together members living in Los Angeles, even though I didn’t have a phone, a car, or the ability to speak English. I eventually found about 10 members, and brought them together for discussion meetings. I had put so much hard work and effort into building the organisation in Los Angeles. And then Grace Takakuwa, completely unknown, was appointed chapter women’s division leader. “What has she ever done up to now?” I thought. “I’m the one who has done all the work!” When President Ikeda called me forward and my eyes met Mrs Takakuwa’s, I felt my heart say “No!” and I was unable to shake her hand. President Ikeda smiled and said to a women’s division leader from Japan accompanying him, “Please talk to her later,” before carrying on with the discussion meeting.

I was so sad and jealous that I didn’t sleep a wink that night. I chanted daimoku. Gradually, I saw what was going on inside me. I realised it was because I wanted to look important. At the same time, I remembered that at the meeting President Ikeda had introduced me as the individual who had done so much as a key figure among the women. He knew about my efforts! He knew how hard I had worked! I couldn’t hold back my tears. I was so ashamed. I chanted daimoku, filled with the need to apologise to him.

The day after the establishment of Los Angeles Chapter, waiting for a brief pause in President Ikeda’s encouragement of members, Kazue Elliot called out: “President Ikeda!”

President Ikeda looked in her direction and said, “Mrs. Elliot, please come here.”

“I’m so sorry!” she blurted out. “So, you figured it out?” “Yes,” she said, tears streaming down her cheeks. President Ikeda called the chapter women’s division leader Grace Takakuwa over and said to the two of them: “Please work together harmoniously. You are without a doubt sisters from the remote past.” The women looked at one another and nodded. Then, President Ikeda added: “Please build the most harmonious chapter in the world.”