If I were asked to specify which period of my youth I consider to be my “finest hour”, it would be the days I spent fighting with all my might to restore Mr Toda’s failed businesses and protect the Gakkai from the threat of destruction.

Many of my seniors then, who had gained so much from Mr Toda’s support, deserted him the moment his businesses collapsed, showering him with insults as they left.

I was outraged. Had they forgotten all he had done for them? What had become of their dedication to kosen-rufu? Didn’t they realise that protecting our mentor is the same as protecting the Gakkai and the noble flow of kosen-rufu?