Makiguchi and Toda were martyred for refusing the Shinto Talisman, not for opposing the war

Article by Guna

In 1941, Soka Kyoiku Gakkai issued their first monthly periodical, Kachi Sozo.
The Japanese nation, unable to extricate herself from the prolonged
Sino-Japanese conflict, was on the verge of entering another new war against the
joint forces of the USA & England. It was a period of mounting tension, for in
December of that same year, the Pacific War was to begin. The prewar Japanese
society under the militaristic government brought unwanted pressure upon the
lives of the Japanese people all the more. A thought-control policy was rigidly
imposed; even religions and ideologies were increasingly subjected to strict
control. The philosophical thoughts of Soka Kyoiku Gakkai were of no exception;
they, too, were rapidly turning into those of extremely militaristic outlook,
reflecting the social background of this age.

Today Soka Gakkai & SGI are desperately trying to conceal their wartime record,
doing their utmost best and expending every means available to distort their
past militaristic attitude. They attempt to project the image of the eternal
peace-loving humanitarian group, and on every occasion everywhere, they loudly
publicized their 'anti-war, culture, education, and humanisrri stance as if they
have always been staunchly in favor of them. Yet the reality indicates
differently. The historical and documented facts can not be easily expunged nor
erased from the records.

Mr. Tsunesaburo Maki uchi's remarks, carefully documented in the 'Corrobo- rate
Records of Life based on the Philosophy of Value of the Supreme Goodness
published on August l0th,1942, under the heading, "The Instruction Manual Sum-
marizing the Experiments and Testimonials of Life based on the Philosophy of
Value of the Supreme Goodness," substantiate their militaristic viewpoint:

"'Sacrifice your own skin to slash the opponent's flesh. Surrender your own
flesh to saw off the opponent's bone.' With their faithful implementation of
this well-known Japanese fencing (kendo) strategy into actual practice during
the war, the Japanese military is able to achieve her glorious, ever-victorious
invincibility in the Sino-Japan conflict and in the Pacific war, and thus,
easing the minds of the Japa- nese people. This [strategy of sacrifice] should
be held as an ideal lifestyle for those remaining on the home front and should
be applied in every aspect of our daily life.

The same manual also contains a report on the agenda for the 4th Soka Kyoiku
Gakkai General Meeting held on May l7th,1942 at Hitotsubashi Kyoiku Kaikan in
Kanda, Tokyo as follows:

"... (Omission)... Approximately four hundred members were present. At 10
o'clock a.m., facing toward the Imperial Palace,.a silent prayer for the war
casualties was offered. The meeting proceeded according to the agenda. In
another room, the Sobi Kado Kai, the Flower Arrangement Society, whose principle
guidelines for in- structions are based on the theory of Value-Creation, held a
flower arrangement ex- hibition. There was also a display of various prizes
awarded to children educated under the same guiding pedagogical method. This
greatly impressed all those in attendance, further increasing their appreciation
of their own life based on the mer its of the doctrine of'faith equals daily
life.' Immediately after concluding the General Meeting proceedings, Director
Toda was nominated to chair the discussion meet- ing which followed with all the
participants attending. Personal testimonials were given on the topic of "How to
Establish Faith in One's Daily Life." After this, there was a very serious,
intense question and answer session. Director Iwasaki spoke next with his
closing speech, and lastly, President Makiguchi led three cheers of "Banzai"
("Long Live the Emperor") for His Majesty the Emperor. The meeting ended shortly
after 4 p.m."

The Opening Address - by Director Nojima

"Since the start of the Great East Asia Co-Prosperity War, the brilliant
military achievements and glorious war results [of the Japanese military] are
due to the fact that the Lotus Sutra is the guardian spirit of our country.
After listening to the reas- suring news of the string of great victories
broadcasted on the radio last evening, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and ever
more appreciative of being able to open the meeting today." The Closing Speech -
by Director Iwasaki

"What is the usual state of life in this mundane world? Life itself is a heavy
chain, hopelessly in bondage to individualism, the intrigues, the jealousies,
the re- jections, the illusions and the insecurities. We, however, are not, in
the least, fettered by any of these bonds. When I think about this blessed
state, I believe we have already won the victorious battles in the struggle for
the Great East Asia Co-Prosper- ity War. As one member of the divine Japanese
Empire's civilian front, I am fully aware of our one great mission, which we are
held accountable. It is the most natu- ral duty as patriots to generate
industrialization, to offer our professional skills and abilities, to save our
money and savings, and to lead a life of simplicity and thrifti- ness.
Nevertheless, if there is one member of Soka Kyoiku Gakkai who thinks he has
fulfilled his patriotic duty as a member of the civilian home front by merely
carrying out the above sacrifices, then he is gravely mistaken. What then is our
true mission? It is, without exception, to conduct shakubuku. Through our
shakubuku, we teach others and spread this life of happiness to the general
society. When all insecurities, illusions, jealousies, rejections, chains and
fetters in this world have dissipated, at that time, an indestructible home
front will be constructed. This civilian front will never surrender, fighting
till the bitter end to establish the Great East Asia Co-Pros- perity Sphere no
matter how long it may take."

These wartime remarks by the members of Soka Kyoiku Gakkai are a far cry from
their "anti-war' and "peace-loving" stance the Gakkai so vehemently claim they
are and have always been in the past."

Comment:

Only after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki did Toda become a pacifist.