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'''Soka Gakkai International''' ('''SGI''') is an international [[Nichiren Buddhism|Nichiren Buddhist]] organization founded in 1975 by [[Daisaku Ikeda]], as an [[umbrella organization]] of [[Soka Gakkai]], which claims approximately 12 million adherents in 192 countries and territories as of 2017,<ref name=oxford>{{cite web |title=Soka Gakkai |first=Andrew |last=Gebert |publisher=Oxford Bibliographies |url=http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0053.xml |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> more than 1.5 million of whom resided outside of Japan as of 2012.<ref>{{Cite book|last=McLaughlin|first=Levi|editor-last1=Prohl|editor-first1=Inken|editor-last2=Nelson|editor-first2=John|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=of4yAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA269|title=Handbook of Contemporary Japanese Religions|date=2012|publisher=[[Brill Publishers|Brill]]|isbn=978-90-04-23436-9|language=en|page=269|quote=Today, the group has a self-declared membership of 8.27 million households in Japan and more than 1.5 million adherents in 192 countries abroad under its overseas umbrella organization Soka Gakkai International, or SGI. Recent scholarship challenges theses figures and points to a figure in the neighborhood of two percent of the Japanese population.}}</ref> It characterizes itself as a support network for practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism and a global Buddhist movement for "peace, education, and cultural exchange."<ref name=marshall>{{cite book |title=Global Institutions of Religion: Ancient Movers, Modern Shakers |first=Katherine |last=Marshall |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781136673580}}</ref>
'''Soka Gakkai International''' ('''SGI''') is an international [[Nichiren Buddhism|Nichiren Buddhist]] organisation run by two vice-presidents including Hiromasa Ikeda. It was founded in 1975 by his father, [[Daisaku Ikeda]], as an [[umbrella organization]] of [[Soka Gakkai]].
 
SGI is also a [[non-governmental organization]] (NGO) in consultative status with the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]] since 1983.<ref name = unoda>{{cite web | url = https://www.un.org/disarmament/update/20140321/ | title = UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Meets Youth Representatives of Soka Gakkai Japan and of SGI-USA Engaged in Disarmament Issues| publisher = United Nations | access-date = 15 August 2015}}</ref>
As of 2021, and for the past 30 years, the SGI claims approximately 12 million adherents in 192 countries and territories,<ref name="oxford">{{cite web |title=Soka Gakkai |first=Andrew |last=Gebert |publisher=Oxford Bibliographies |url=http://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0053.xml |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> more than 1.5 million of whom resided outside of Japan as of 2012.<ref>{{Cite book|last=McLaughlin|first=Levi|editor-last1=Prohl|editor-first1=Inken|editor-last2=Nelson|editor-first2=John|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=of4yAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA269|title=Handbook of Contemporary Japanese Religions|date=2012|publisher=[[Brill Publishers|Brill]]|isbn=978-90-04-23436-9|language=en|page=269|quote=Today, the group has a self-declared membership of 8.27 million households in Japan and more than 1.5 million adherents in 192 countries abroad under its overseas umbrella organization Soka Gakkai International, or SGI. Recent scholarship challenges theses figures and points to a figure in the neighborhood of two percent of the Japanese population.}}</ref> But those numbers are controversial and impossible to verify. Recent scholarship estimate Soka Gakkai believers around 2.5 million people in Japan.<ref>{{Cite book|last=McLaughlin|first=Levi|editor-last1=Prohl|editor-first1=Inken|editor-last2=Nelson|editor-first2=John|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=of4yAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA269|title=Handbook of Contemporary Japanese Religions|date=2012|publisher=[[Brill Publishers|Brill]]|isbn=978-90-04-23436-9|language=en|pages=269–308|chapter=Soka Gakkai in Japan|quote=Today, the group has a self-declared membership of 8.27 million households in Japan and more than 1.5 million adherents in 192 countries abroad under its overseas umbrella organization Soka Gakkai International, or SGI. Recent scholarship challenges theses figures and points to a figure in the neighborhood of two percent of the Japanese population.}}</ref>
 
SGI is one of the 6000 organizations awarded a consultative status with the [[United Nations Economic and Social Council]], since 1983.<ref name="unoda">{{cite web | url = https://www.un.org/disarmament/update/20140321/ | title = UN Office for Disarmament Affairs Meets Youth Representatives of Soka Gakkai Japan and of SGI-USA Engaged in Disarmament Issues| publisher = United Nations | access-date = 15 August 2015}}</ref>
 
It also remains a controversial organization, due to the ambiguous reputation of the Japanese Soka Gakkai. Some countries consider it as a cult.
 
==History==
The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was formed at a conference on January 26, 1975, on the island of [[Guam]].<ref name="living-dialogue">{{cite book |title=The Living Dialogue: Socrates to Ikeda |publisher=Gandhi Media Centre |author=N. Radhakrishnan |oclc=191031200}}</ref> Representatives from 51 countries attended the meeting and chose [[Daisaku Ikeda]], who served as third president of the Japanese Buddhist organization [[Soka Gakkai]], to become the SGI's founding president.<ref name="living-dialogue"/> The SGI was created in part as a new international peace movement, and its founding meeting was held in Guam in a symbolic gesture referencing Guam's history as the site of some of World War II's bloodiest battles, and proximity to [[Tinian Island]], launching place of the [[Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki|atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki]], Japan.<ref name="global-perspectives">{{cite news |title=SPECIAL REPORT: Peace Impulses from Okinawa |first=Ramesh |last=Jaura |work=Global Perspectives |url=http://www.global-perspectives.info/index.php/international-edition/2011/february/100-special-report-peace-impulses-from-okinawa |access-date=18 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221052413/http://www.global-perspectives.info/index.php/international-edition/2011/february/100-special-report-peace-impulses-from-okinawa|archive-date=21 February 2015}}</ref>
[[File:SGI-USA Chicago Culture Center.jpg|thumb|182px|An SGI center in [[Chicago]]]]
The Soka Gakkai's initial global expansion began after [[World War II]], when some Soka Gakkai members married mostly American servicemen and moved away from Japan.<ref name=laderman>{{cite book |title=Religion and American Cultures: An Encyclopedia of Traditions, Diversity, and Popular Expressions |first=Gary |last=Laderman |publisher=ABC CLIO |year=2003 |isbn=9781576072387}}</ref> Expansion efforts gained a further boost in 1960 when Ikeda succeeded [[Jōsei Toda]] as president of the Soka Gakkai.<ref name=pereira>{{cite journal |title=The transplantation of Soka Gakkai to Brazil: building "the closest organization to the heart of Ikeda-Sensei" |author=Ronan Alves Pereira |journal=Japanese Journal of Religious Studies |year=2008}}</ref><ref name=strand>{{cite news |title=Faith in Revolution |date=Winter 2008 |first=Clark |last=Strand |work=Tricycle |url=http://www.tricycle.com/interview/faith-revolution |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> In the first year of his presidency, Ikeda visited the [[United States]], [[Canada]], and [[Brazil]], and the Soka Gakkai's first American headquarters officially opened in [[Los Angeles]] in 1963.<ref name=pereira/><ref name=prebish>{{cite book |title=Luminous Passage: The Practice and Study of Buddhism in America |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780520216976 |url-access=registration |first=Charles |last=Prebish |publisher=University of California Press |year=1999 |isbn=9780520216976}}</ref>
 
In 2000, [[Uruguay]] honored the 25th anniversary of the SGI's founding with a commemorative postage stamp. The stamp was issued on October 2, the anniversary of SGI President Ikeda's first overseas journey in 1960.<ref name = uruguay>{{cite web | url = http://www.correo.com.uy/index.asp?codpag=detProd&smen=filatelia&idp=701&s=1 | title = Sello - 1975-2000 Soka Gakkai Internacional 25º Aniversario | publisher = Correo Uruguayo | access-date = 3 February 2016}}</ref>
In June 2015, the [[Soka Gakkai Italian Buddhist Institute|SGI-Italy]] was recognized by the Italian government with a special accord under [[Constitution of Italy|Italian Constitution]] Article 8, acknowledging it as an [[Religion in Italy#Freedom of religion|a religion with an official agreement with the government of Italy]] and eligible to receive direct taxpayer funding for its religious and social activities. Twelve other religious denominations share this status.<ref name = berkley>{{cite web | url = http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/religion-in-the-italian-constitution | title = Religion in the Italian Constitution | publisher = Georgetown University | access-date = 10 August 2015}}</ref><ref name = italy>{{cite web | url = http://www.governo.it/Presidenza/USRI/confessioni/intese_indice.html | title = Istituto Buddista Italiano Soka Gakkai | publisher = Governo Italiano | access-date = 14 August 2015}}</ref>
 
In January 2015, the director of the [[Peace Research Institute Oslo]] reported that the SGI had been nominated for the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize, as confirmed by a Nobel Peace Laureate.<ref name = PRIO>{{ cite web | url = https://www.prio.org/About/PeacePrize/PRIO-Directors-Speculations-2015/ | title = Nobel Peace Prize 2015: PRIO Director's Speculations|publisher = PRIO | access-date = 10 August 2015}}</ref>
 
In May 2015, the SGI-USA was one of the organizing groups for the first-ever Buddhist conference at the [[White House]].<ref name = washpost>{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/12/125-u-s-buddhist-leaders-to-meet-at-the-white-house/ | title = U.S., Buddhist Leaders to Meet at the White House | newspaper = Washington Post | access-date = 10 August 2015}}</ref>
 
In June 2015, the [[Soka Gakkai Italian Buddhist Institute|SGI-Italy]] was recognized by the Italian government with a special accord under [[Constitution of Italy|Italian Constitution]] Article 8, acknowledging it as an [[Religion in Italy#Freedom of religion|official religion of Italy]] and eligible to receive direct taxpayer funding for its religious and social activities. It also recognizes the Soka Gakkai as a "Concordat" (It: "Intesa") that grants the religions status in "a special 'club' of denominations consulted by the government in certain occasions, allowed to appoint chaplains in the army{{Snd}} a concordat is not needed for appointing chaplains in hospitals and jails{{Snd}} and, perhaps more importantly, to be partially financed by taxpayers' money." Twelve other religious denominations share this status.<ref name = berkley>{{cite web | url = http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/religion-in-the-italian-constitution | title = Religion in the Italian Constitution | publisher = Georgetown University | access-date = 10 August 2015}}</ref><ref name = italy>{{cite web | url = http://www.governo.it/Presidenza/USRI/confessioni/intese_indice.html | title = Istituto Buddista Italiano Soka Gakkai | publisher = Governo Italiano | access-date = 14 August 2015}}</ref>
 
==Organization==
The Soka Gakkai International comprises a global network of affiliated organizations. As of 2011, the SGI isreported active national organizations in 192 countries and territories with a total of approximately 12 million closelymembers.<ref linkedname=oxford/> toThe SGI is independent of the Soka Gakkai (the domestic Japanese organization), although both are headquartered in [[Tokyo]].<ref name="metraux">{{cite journal |title=Soka Gakkai International: The Global Expansion of a Japanese Buddhist Movement |first=Daniel |last=Métraux |journal=Religion Compass |year=2013|volume=7 |issue=10 |pages=423–432 |doi=10.1111/rec3.12070 }}</ref> "National branches enjoy some autonomy in certain matters. However, control over SG rests in Japan and the leadership of the movement is almost exclusively Japanese", according to scholar Karel Dobbelaere.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dobbelaere|first1=Karel|title=Soka Gakkai|date=1998|publisher=Signat}}</ref> The Tokyo headquarters also disseminate doctrinal and teaching materials to national organizations.<ref name=metraux2>{{cite journal |title=Soka Gakkai International: Japanese Buddhism on a Global Scale |first=Daniel |last=Métraux |journal=Virginia Review of Asian Studies |year=2013}}</ref>
 
National SGI organizations operate autonomously and all affairs are conducted in the local language.<ref name=metraux/> Many national organizations are coordinated by groups such as a women's group, a men's group, and young women's and young men's groups.<ref name=metraux2>{{cite journal |title=Soka Gakkai International: Japanese Buddhism on a Global Scale |first=Daniel |last=Métraux |journal=Virginia Review of Asian Studies |year=2013}}</ref> National organizations generally raise their own operational funds, although the SGI headquarters in Tokyo has awarded funding grants to smaller national organizations for projects such as land acquisition and the construction of new buildings.<ref name=metraux2/> SGI-affiliated organizations outside Japan are forbidden to engage directly in politics.<ref name=metraux2/>
The election or nomination of leaders is not decided by the SGI's general membership but by a board of directors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://constitution-sgic.org/PDFs/G3%20policy%20on%20leaders%20-%202014%2009%2027.PDF|title=Governance Policy #3 - Leaders}}</ref> Leadership below national staff, however, has been liberalized.
 
While the national organizations are run autonomously, the Tokyo headquarters of SGI disseminates doctrinal and teaching materials to all national organizations around the world.<ref name=metraux2/> The Tokyo headquarters also serves as a meeting place for national leaders to come together and exchange information and ideas.<ref name=metraux2/>
 
The election or nomination of leaders is typically not decided by the SGI's general membership but by a board of directors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://constitution-sgic.org/PDFs/G3%20policy%20on%20leaders%20-%202014%2009%2027.PDF|title=Governance Policy #3 - Leaders}}</ref> Leadership below national staff, however, has been liberalized; in the United States for instance, the nomination and approval of leaders includes both members and organizational leaders in the process.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dobbelaere|first1=Karel|title=Soka Gakkai|date=1998|publisher=Signat}}</ref> Author [[Karel Dobbelaere]] notes the election of the presidents,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dobbelaere|first1=Karel|title=Soka Gakkai|page=9|quote="H. Hojo. . . was elected president. Ikeda became honorary president. . . At the death of Hojo in 1981, E. Akiya was elected president. . ." . .}}</ref> as well as a process of "nomination, review and approval that involves both peers and leaders" in choosing other leaders.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dobbelaere|first1=Karel|title=Soka Gakkai|page=78}}</ref>
 
==Beliefs and social engagement==
{{see also|Soka Gakkai#Beliefs|Soka Gakkai#Practices}}
[[File:Taplow court north.jpg|thumb|182px|[[Taplow Court]] SGI centre in [[Buckinghamshire]], [[England]]]]
SGI saysmembers itsadhere membersto the philosophy of [[Nichiren Buddhism]] as interpreted and applied by the Soka Gakkai's first three presidents [[Tsunesaburo Makiguchi]], [[Josei Toda]] and [[Daisaku Ikeda]],<ref name=tamaru>{{cite book |title=Soka Gakkai In Historical Perspective: in Global Citizens |first=Noriyoshi |last=Tamaru |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-924039-5|year=2000 }}</ref> incorporateincorporating social interaction and engagement into their Buddhist practice.<ref name=dobbelaere>{{cite book |title=Soka Gakkai: From Lay Movement to Religion |first=Karel |last=Dobbelaere |publisher=Signature Books |isbn=978-1560851530|year=2001 }}</ref> Monthly neighborhood [[Zadankai|discussion meetings]] are generally held at the homes of SGI members.<ref name=lebron>{{cite book |title=Searching For Spiritual Unity...Can There Be Common Ground |first=Robyn E. |last=Lebron |publisher=CrossBooks |isbn=978-1462712625|year=2012 }}</ref>
 
Soka Gakkai Malaysia since 2005 has held a non-competitive biennial "Run for Peace" to raise awareness of nuclear disarmament and in support of [[Culture of Peace|culture of peace]] in the community—reportedly "the largest peace run in the country held in 28 locations nationwide and involving some 115,000 runners."<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Over 4,000 gather for peace despite haze forcing cancellation of run|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/09/09/over-4000-gather-for-peace-despite-haze-forcing-cancellation-of-run/|work=[[The Borneo Post]]|date=8 September 2019|access-date=13 February 2020}}</ref>
In 2008, the SGI-USA, which is headquartered in California, publicly opposed that state's [[Proposition 8]] (which sought to prevent same-sex marriage), and coordinated with other progressive religious groups to support same-sex couples' right to legally marry.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-01/local/me-19075_1_buddhist-groups | title = U.S. Buddhist Group Approves Marriage Rites for Gays | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | access-date = 21 January 2016| date = July 1995 | last1 = Dart | first1 = John }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Mormons-urged-to-back-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-3279112.php | title = Mormons urged to back ban on same sex marriage | publisher = SF Gate | access-date = 21 January 2016| date = 2008-06-25 }}</ref>
 
In Dubai, the SGI Gulf association has hosted since 2008 an annual "Poetic Heart" symposium, partnering with other organizations and involving international and local artists as well as poets of all ages.<ref>{{cite news|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title='The Poetic Heart' Promotes Hope through Music and Poetry|url=https://www.dubainewstyle.com/2020/02/07/131249/|work=Dubai Global News|date=7 February 2020|access-date=13 February 2020}}</ref>
 
Organizational practices in the United States have been characterized as socially inclusive Buddhism.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chappell |first=David |editor-last1=Machacek |editor-first1=David |editor-last2=Wilson |editor-first2=Bryan |title=Global Citizens: The Soka Gakkai Buddhist Movement in the World |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2000 |pages=299–325 |chapter=Chapter 11: Socially Inclusive Buddhists in America |isbn=978-0-19-924039-5}}</ref> In 2008, the SGI-USA, which is headquartered in California, publicly opposed that state's [[Proposition 8]] (which sought to prevent same-sex marriage), and coordinated with other progressive religious groups to support same-sex couples' right to legally marry.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://articles.latimes.com/1995-07-01/local/me-19075_1_buddhist-groups | title = U.S. Buddhist Group Approves Marriage Rites for Gays | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | access-date = 21 January 2016| date = July 1995 | last1 = Dart | first1 = John }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Mormons-urged-to-back-ban-on-same-sex-marriage-3279112.php | title = Mormons urged to back ban on same sex marriage | publisher = SF Gate | access-date = 21 January 2016| date = 2008-06-25 }}</ref>
 
In 2012, then-President of the Republic of China [[Ma Ying-jeou]] remarked that the Taiwan Soka Association had been recognized for its involvement the past 16 years in the general welfare of society, education and religious teaching, highlighting its disaster rescue and relief efforts in the wake of [[Typhoon Morakot]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.president.gov.tw/NEWS/3923|title=President Ma meets Japan's Soka Gakkai International Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=4 June 2012 |website=Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan) |access-date=27 February 2020}}</ref>
 
In November 2019, the Soka Gakkai Peace Committee in Japan helped organize the international conference "No Justice Without Life", at which [[Mario Marazziti]] of the Italy-based [[Community of Sant'Egidio]], among others, advocated for a moratorium on [[capital punishment|the death penalty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/03122019-papal-visit-to-japan-revives-debate-about-death-penalty-oped/|title= Papal Visit To Japan Revives Debate About Death Penalty – OpEd|last= Asagiri|first=Katsuhiro|date=3 December 2019|website=Eurasia Review|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref> The [[Soka Gakkai Italian Buddhist Institute|Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai]] had earlier endorsed the Community of Sant'Egidio's international appeal "Moratorium 2000", which was launched in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nodeathpenalty.santegidio.org/pageID/228/Some-representative-supports.html|title=Some representative supports: Community of Sant'Egidio Moratorium 2000|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|website=Community of Sant'Egidio|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nodeathpenalty.santegidio.org/pageID/225/Campaign.html|title=Campaign: A long path towards abolition|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=n.d.|website=Community of Sant'Egidio|access-date=20 February 2020}}</ref>
==Initiatives promoting peace, culture and education==
The SGI defines itself as a "movement for contributing to peace, culture and education" based on its "interpretation and practical application of the ideas in the [[Lotus Sutra]]."<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kawada |first=Yoichi |year=2009 |title=The SGI Within the Historical Context of Buddhism—and Its Philosophical Basis |url=http://www.totetu.org/assets/media/paper/j019_103.pdf |journal=The Journal of Oriental Studies |volume=19 |page=103 |access-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref> SGI promotes its engagement on issues including human rights, sustainable development and peace building.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/sgi-charter.html |title=SGI Charter |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=Soka Gakkai International |access-date=6 February 2021}}</ref>
 
==Demographics==
 
The Soka Gakkai International is notable among Buddhist organizations for the racial and ethnic diversity of its members.<ref name=metraux/> It has been characterized as the world's largest and most ethnically diverse Buddhist group.<ref name=laderman/><ref name=strand/><ref name=metraux/><ref name=washingtonpost>{{cite news |title=Diversity and a Buddhist Sect |first=Daniel |last=Burke |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=24 February 2007 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022301394.html |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> Professor Susumu Shimazono suggested several reasons for this: the strongly felt needs of individuals in their daily lives, its solutions to discord in interpersonal relations, its practical teachings that offer concrete solutions for carrying on a stable social life, and its provision of a place where congenial company and a spirit of mutual support may be found.<ref name=shimazono>{{cite journal |title=The Expansion of Japan's New Religions into Foreign Cultures |first=Susumu |last=Shimazono |journal=Japanese Journal of Religious Studies |year=1991|volume=18 |issue=2–3 |doi=10.18874/jjrs.18.2-3.1991.105-132 |doi-access=free }}</ref> Peter Clarke wrote that the SGI appeals to non-Japanese in part because "no one is obliged to abandon their native culture or nationality in order to fully participate in the spiritual and cultural life of the movement."<ref name=clarke>{{cite book |first=Peter B. |last=Clarke |title=Japanese New Religions in Global Perspective |publisher=Curzon Press |year=2000 |chapter='Success' and 'Failure': Japanese New Religions Abroad |isbn=978-0700711857}}</ref>
 
In 2015, Italian newspaper [[la Repubblica]] reported that half of all Buddhists in Italy are SGI members.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2015/06/27/news/firenze_renzi_firma_l_intesta_tra_lo_stato_e_l_istituto_buddista_d_italia-117841335/?refresh_ce#gallery-slider=117843818 | title = La Soka Gakkai entra nell'8x1000, Renzi a Firenze firma l'intesa con l'istituto buddista| publisher = Repubblica | access-date = 10 August 2015| date = 2015-06-27}}</ref>
 
==Initiatives promoting peace, culture and education==
[[File:SGI-D Kulturzentrum Villa Sachsen, Bingen am Rhein.jpg|thumb|Villa Sachsen SGI center in [[Bingen am Rhein]], [[Germany]]]]
According to Yoichi Kawada, director of the Tokyo-based Institute of Oriental Philosophy, the SGI defines itself as a "movement for contributing to peace, culture and education" based on its "interpretation and practical application of the ideas in the [[Lotus Sutra]]."<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kawada |first=Yoichi |year=2009 |title=The SGI Within the Historical Context of Buddhism—and Its Philosophical Basis |url=http://www.totetu.org/assets/media/paper/j019_103.pdf |journal=The Journal of Oriental Studies |volume=19 |page=103 |access-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref> SGI engagement as a religious [[NGO]] affiliated with the United Nations in policy discussions on issues including human rights, sustainable development and peace building is similarly described, in the phrasing of its Charter, as contributing to peace, culture and education.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Berger |first=Julia |date=March 2003 |title=Religious Nongovernmental Organizations: An Exploratory Analysis |journal=Voluntas |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=15–39 |doi=10.1023/A:1022988804887 |s2cid=145398156 }}</ref>{{rp|15,16,30}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sokaglobal.org/resources/sgi-charter.html |title=SGI Charter |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=Soka Gakkai International |access-date=6 February 2021}}</ref>
 
===Nuclear disarmament===
Since 2007, the SGI has collaborated closely with the [[International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons]] (ICAN) to develop educational programs and raise awareness on nuclear disarmament, particularly among young people. The SGI also partnered with ICAN to promote the [[Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons]], which was adopted at the [[United Nations]] in July 2017, and for which ICAN was awarded the 2017 [[Nobel Peace Prize]]. Beatrice Fihn, executive director of ICAN, stated in a July 2017 interview that the "SGI has been one of our greatest partners in the fight to abolish nuclear weapons."<ref name = ICAN>{{cite web | url = https://www.lionsroar.com/ican-partnered-with-sgi-wins-2017-nobel-peace-prize-for-work-toward-abolition-of-nuclear-weapons/ | title = ICAN Partnered With SGI Wins 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for Work Toward Abolition of Nuclear Weapons | publisher = Lion's Roar Magazine | access-date = 28 December 2017| date = 2017-10-31 }}</ref>
 
To further increase public awareness of the [[anti-nuclear movement]], the SGI also created "The People's Decade" campaign, which since 2007 has developed a global grassroots network of people dedicated to abolishing nuclear weapons.<ref name = peoples>{{cite web | url = http://www.peoplesdecade.org/ | title = People's Decade for Nuclear Ambition| publisher = People's Decade | access-date = 15 August 2015}}</ref><ref name = wagingpeace>{{cite web | url = https://www.wagingpeace.org/five-million-voices-for-nuclear-zero/ | title = Five Million Voices for Nuclear Zero| publisher = Waging Peace | access-date = 15 August 2015| date = 2014-12-18}}</ref> In 2014, an SGI youth delegation met with the [[United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs]] (UNODA) regarding coordination of the SGI's efforts and the [[United Nations|UN]] efforts to increase grassroots movements for nuclear abolition.
According to [[Pax Christi|Pax Christi International]], on March 28, 2017, a joint statement of Faith Communities Concerned about Nuclear Weapons, initiated by the SGI, was delivered by Pax Christi Philippines during the first UN negotiating conference for the [[Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons|treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Watch: Interfaith statement delivered at UN nuclear weapons negotiations |url=http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=32236 |work=Independent Catholic News (ICN) |date=2017-03-29 |access-date=2017-03-30}}</ref>
 
In 2008, then-High Representative for Disarmament Affairs [[Sergio Duarte]] characterized SGI's work toward nuclear disarmament as linking [[human security]] with the fundamental goal of eliminating nuclear weapons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Duarte |first=Sergio |author-link=Sergio Duarte |title=Opening Remarks | url=https://www.un.org/disarmament/HomePage/HR/docs/2008/2008April30_Geneva.pdf |website=United Nations |date=30 April 2008 |access-date=11 March 2016}}</ref>
 
According to [[Pax Christi|Pax Christi International]], on March 28, 2017, a joint statement of Faith Communities Concerned about Nuclear Weapons, initiated by the SGI, was delivered by Pax Christi Philippines during the first UN negotiating conference for the [[Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons|treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Watch: Interfaith statement delivered at UN nuclear weapons negotiations |url=http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=32236 |work=Independent Catholic News (ICN) |date=2017-03-29 |access-date=2017-03-30}}</ref> More than 20 religious leaders affirmed through the joint statement their shared "aspirations for peace and for a world where people live without fear," praising world leaders in attendance for "the courage to begin these negotiations" and calling on States not in attendance to join the June–July session of the conference.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kenny |first=Peter |title=Faith groups call for action at UN atomic weapons' talks that nuclear-armed nations boycott |url=http://www.ecumenicalnews.com/article/faith-groups-call-for-action-at-un-atomic-weapons-talks-that-nuclear-armed-nations-boycott/60210.htm |website=Ecumenical News |date=2017-04-02 |access-date=2017-04-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Faith Communities Concerned about Nuclear Weapons |title=Public Statement to the First Negotiation Conference for a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons leading to their elimination |type=Statement |url=http://www.sgi.org/content/files/resources/ngo-resources/peace-disarmament/ptnw-public-statement-march-2017.pdf |date=March 2017 |access-date=2017-04-03}}</ref>
 
===Environmental awareness===
The SGI also promotes environmental initiatives through educational activities such as exhibitions, lectures and conferences, and more direct activities such as tree planting projects and the SGI's Amazon Ecological Conservation Center, which is administered by SGI-Brazil.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Dessì |first=Ugo |date=2013 |title='Greening Dharma': Contemporary Japanese Buddhism and Ecology |url=https://www.academia.edu/11283180 |journal= Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture|volume=7 |issue=3 |pages=339–40 |doi=10.1558/jsrnc.v7i3.334 |access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref> The center is engaged in reforestation, the creation of a regional seed bank, and experiments in sustainable agroforestry.<ref>{{Citation |last=Seager |first=Richard |year=2006 |title=Encountering the Dharma |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley |pages=192 }}</ref>
[[File:Reflecting pool and visitor center at the Dr. Daisaku Ikeda Park in Londrina Brazil.jpg|thumb|[[Reflecting pool]] at the Ikeda Ecological Park in [[Londrina]], [[Brazil]], named in honor of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda]]
One scholar cites [[Daisaku Ikeda]], SGI's president, describing such initiatives as a Buddhist-based impetus for direct public engagement in parallel with legal efforts to address environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Dessì |first=Ugo |date=2013 |title='Greening Dharma': Contemporary Japanese Buddhism and Ecology |url=https://www.academia.edu/11283180 |journal= Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture|volume=7 |issue=3 |pages=334–355 |doi=10.1558/jsrnc.v7i3.334 |access-date=March 2, 2016}}</ref>
 
In India, the Bharat Soka Gakkai (the SGI of India) debuted the traveling exhibit "Seeds of Hope," a joint initiative of the SGI and [[Earth Charter Initiative#Organization|Earth Charter International]]. At the exhibit's opening in [[Panaji]], the state capital of [[Goa]], regional planning head Edgar Ribeiro spoke of lagging efforts to implement environmental laws and stated that "Only a people's movement can take sustainability forward."<ref>{{cite news |last=Ribeiro |first=Edgar |date=2016-02-12 |title=Edgar Riberio pushes for mapping Goa |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Edgar-Ribeiro-pushes-for-mapping-of-Goa/articleshow/50956381.cms |newspaper=Times of India |access-date=2016-03-02}}</ref> In Malaysia, [[Tunku Abdul Rahman University College]] President Datuk Dr Tan Chik Heok said that this exhibition helped "to create the awareness of the power of a single individual in bringing about waves of positive change to the environment, as well as the society."<ref>{{cite news |title=Sowing the seeds of hope |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2014/11/16/sowing-the-seeds-of-hope/ | newspaper=The Star online |date=2014-11-16 |access-date=2016-03-02 }}</ref>
 
In November 2015, the SGI signed on to the Buddhist Climate Change Statement representing "over a billion Buddhists worldwide" in a call to action submitted to world leaders at the [[2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference|21st session of UN climate change]] talks held in Paris.<ref>{{cite web| title=Buddhist Climate Change Statement to World Leaders|url=https://gbcccdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/buddhist-climate-change-statement-to-world-leaders-nov-25.pdf| publisher=Global Buddhist Climate Change Collective| date=November 25, 2015| access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> The statement affirms that Buddhist spirituality compels environmental protection and expresses solidarity with Catholic and Muslim leaders who have taken a similar stance. Described as "one of the most unified calls by a religion's leadership,"<ref>{{citation| last=Schouten| first=Lucy| title=Why climate change unites Buddhists around the world| newspaper=The Christian Science Monitor| date=October 30, 2015| url=http://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/print/Environment/2015/1030/Why-climate-change-unites-Buddhists-around-the-world| access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> the statement draws on the 2009 pan-Buddhist statement, "The Time to Act is Now: A Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change," to which SGI-USA among others became a signatory in early 2015.<ref>{{cite web| title=A Buddhist Declaration on Climate Change| url=http://www.ecobuddhism.org/bcp/all_content/buddhist_declaration/| website=Ecological Buddhism: A Buddhist Response to Global Warming| access-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref>
 
===Aid work===
The SGI conducts humanitarian aid projects in disaster-stricken regions. After the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan]], local Soka Gakkai facilities became refugee shelters and distribution centers for relief supplies. Efforts also included worldwide fundraising for the victims, youth groups, and spiritual support.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panorientnews.com/en/news.php?k=2364l|title=Sendai UN Disaster Panel.|work=Pan Orient News|access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://eprintswebcache.soasgoogleusercontent.ac.ukcom/13739/1/fisker-Nielsen%2520PROOF2.pdf |archive-urlsearch?q=httpscache://web.archive.org/web/20230603184010/httpswo823HsvTAwJ://eprints.soas.ac.uk/13739/1/fisker-Nielsen%20PROOF22520PROOF2.pdf |url-status+&cd=dead |archive-date25&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=June 3, 2023us |title=Grassroot responses to the Tohoku earthquake of 11 March 2011.|work=Anthropology Today Vol. 28, June 2012|access-date=15 February 2016}}</ref>
 
In 2014, SGI-Chile members collected supplies to deliver to emergency services and refugee centers after that country's devastating [[2014 Iquique earthquake|Iquique earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/17/100-religious-groups-doing-good_n_5460739.html|title=Yes, Religion Can Still Be A Force For Good In The World. Here Are 100 Examples How|newspaper=The Huffington Post|access-date=5 February 2016|date=2014-06-17|last1=Blumberg|first1=Antonia}}</ref>
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In 2015, SGI-USA was part of the organizing committee that convened a day-long conference in Washington, DC of 125 Buddhist leaders to discuss Buddhism and civic activism in the United States. The conference identified climate change and the environment, education and peace and disarmament as popular priorities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Boorstein |first=Michelle |date=2015-05-12 |title=A political awakening for Buddhists? 125 U.S. Buddhist leaders to meet at the White House |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/05/12/125-u-s-buddhist-leaders-to-meet-at-the-white-house/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=2017-05-17}}</ref>
 
{{collapse top|left=true}}
====International perception====
Notable members of the Soka Gakkai International include:
In 2015, Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi signed an agreement that recognizes the Soka Gakkai as a "Concordat" (It: "Intesa") that grants the religions status in "a special 'club' of denominations consulted by the government in certain occasions, allowed to appoint chaplains in the army – a concordat is not needed for appointing chaplains in hospitals and jails – and, perhaps more importantly, to be partially financed by taxpayers' money." Eleven other religious denominations share this status.<ref name = berkley>{{cite web | url = http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/religion-in-the-italian-constitution | title = Religion in the Italian Constitution | publisher = Georgetown University | access-date = 10 August 2015 | archive-date = 26 November 2016 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20161126191359/http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/religion-in-the-italian-constitution }}</ref><ref name = italy>{{cite web | url = http://www.governo.it/Presidenza/USRI/confessioni/intese_indice.html | title = Istituto Buddista Italiano Soka Gakkai | publisher = Governo Italiano | access-date = 14 August 2015}}</ref>
* [[Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje]]{{Snd}} British-Nigerian actor best known for his roles on television, including ''[[Lost (2004 TV series)|Lost]]'', ''[[Oz (TV Series)|Oz]]'', and ''[[Game of Thrones]]''<ref name="latimes-adewale">{{cite news |title=Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje not lost in L.A. |first=Mark |last=Sachs |date=7 August 2009 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2009/aug/07/entertainment/et-fave7 |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
 
* [[Angelica Ross]] - American first [[transgender]] actress to be cast in a [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] leading role and founder of the TransTech Social Enterprises, also known from TV series ''[[Pose (TV series)|Pose]]'' and ''[[American Horror Story]]''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-08 |title=Angelica Ross on How to Get the World to See You as YOU |url=https://buddhability.org/podcast/angelica-ross-on-how-to-get-the-world-to-see-you-as-you/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=buddhability |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=White|first=Abbey |date=2022-08-04 |title=Angelica Ross to Make Broadway Debut in 'Chicago' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/angelica-ross-chicago-musical-broadway-debut-1235192647/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 1998, the final paper of the Select (Enquete) Commission of the [[Bundestag|German Parliament]] on new religions and ideological communities came to the conclusion that, due to its connection to the Soka Gakkai, which is significant and controversial elsewhere, the German branch (SGI-D) is "latently problematic" even though it was inconspicuous at that time.<ref>[http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/13/109/1310950.pdf Endbericht der Enquete-Kommission Sogenannte Sekten und Psychogruppen, Page.105] (PDF; 6,5&nbsp;MB)|quote=Some groups have little significance nationally, they are not involved locally in any serious political controversy and/or have attracted little public censure. Nevertheless, they remain a latent problem through being linked to international organisations that are significant and controversial elsewhere. One such example came to light at the hearing of Soka Gakkai, which in Germany is a fairly inconspicuous group of about 3,000 people, but is highly significant in Japan, the United States, etc. (Translated at http://www.csj.org/infoserv_articles/german_enquete_commission_report.htm)</ref> [[:de:Hubert Seiwert|Seiwert]] condemned the methodology and political intrigue surrounding this committee's work and final report and pointed out that in 1999 the new government coalition ignored the policy recommendations of the committee.<ref>{{cite book|last=Seiwert|first=Hubert|chapter=The German Enquete Commission on Sects|editor-last=Richardson|editor-first=James T.|title=Regulating Religion: Case Studies from Around the Globe|date=2004|publisher=Springer US|location=Boston, MA|isbn=9781441990945|pages=85–102|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GTjaBwAAQBAJ&q=soka+gakkai+%22anti+cult+movement%22 }}</ref> Despite the fact that the majority of the commission were critics of new religious movements, the commission concluded that new religions and ideological communities presented no threat to the state or society.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Schoen|first1=Brigitte|authorlink1=New Religions in Germany: The publicity of the public square"|editor1-last=Lucas|editor1-first=Phillip Charles|editor2-last=Robbins|editor2-first=Thomas|title=New Religious Movements in the 21st Century|date=2004|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781135889012|pages=89–90|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BIk5EqcTIxoC&q=enquete|quote=As the commission was initiated at the request of ciritics of new religions, and as the majority of the commission's members can be counted among critics, the commission's results were all the more surprising. It concluded that at present new religions and ideological communities and psychotherapy groups presented no danger to state and society or to socially relevant areas.}}</ref>
* [[Anne Louise Hassing]]{{Snd}} Danish actress, best known from her roles in movies such as ''[[The Idiots]]'' and ''[[The Hunt (2012 film)|The Hunt]]''<ref>{{cite journal|last=Steinthal|first=Vibeke|date=April 2011|title=Skuespilleren Anne Louise Hassing: "Vi Har Alle En Mission"|journal=Liv & Sjæl|pages=31–35|url=https://d3gqux9sl0z33u.cloudfront.net/AA/AA/magasinetlivogsjael/downloads/177453/Hassing.nr._3_-_2008.pdf|access-date=26 January 2016|language=da|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071451/https://d3gqux9sl0z33u.cloudfront.net/AA/AA/magasinetlivogsjael/downloads/177453/Hassing.nr._3_-_2008.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>
* [[Belinda Carlisle]]{{Snd}} American singer, member of the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] best known as the lead singer of [[The Go-Go's]]<ref name=belindacarlisle>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cMXGiLWs9oC&q=belinda+carlisle+soka&pg=PA222 |title=Lips Are Sealed: A Memoir|access-date=16 March 2015|isbn=9780307463500|last1=Carlisle|first1=Belinda|date=April 2011}}</ref>
* [[Betty Faria]] - Brazilian actress, best known for the lead role in the soap opera ''[[Tieta (TV series)|Tieta]]'', and [[Gramado Film Festival]] winner for ''[[Anjos do Arrabalde]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Meio século de conquistas |url=http://www.bsgi.org.br/noticia/meio-seculo-de-conquistas-20111030/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=www.bsgi.org.br}}</ref>
* [[Beverly Glenn-Copeland]]{{Snd}} U.S.-born Canadian musician, songwriter and singer<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lionsroar.com/were-all-different-musician-glenn-copeland-on-his-journey-as-a-black-buddhist-transgender-artist/ |title=We're All Different: Musician Glenn Copeland on his journey as a Black, Buddhist, transgender artist |last=Negru |first=John Harvey |date=March 31, 2018 |website=Lion's Roar |access-date=June 4, 2018}}</ref>
* [[Boy George]]{{Snd}} English singer, songwriter, DJ, fashion designer, mixed media artist, photographer and record producer<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/Lucy_Hobson/2013/09/08/boy_george_buddhism_has_kept_me_sober |title=Buddhism Has Kept Me Sober |publisher=StarPulse |date=8 September 2013 |access-date=13 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014174922/http://www.starpulse.com/news/Lucy_Hobson/2013/09/08/boy_george_buddhism_has_kept_me_sober |archive-date=14 October 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://punkglobe.com/boygeorgeinterview1112.php |title=A Successful Human Being |publisher=PunkGlobe |date=3 May 2012 |access-date=13 October 2013 |archive-date=15 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415053817/http://punkglobe.com/boygeorgeinterview1112.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/boy-george-interview-i-didnt-realise-that-you-could-choose-to-be-happy-the-karma-chameleon-singer-on-personal-growth-and-judging-the-big-deal-40784027.html |title=Boy George interview: 'I didn't realise that you could choose to be happy' – the Karma Chameleon singer on personal growth and judging The Big Deal |publisher=The Irish Independen |date=29 August 2021 }}</ref>
* [[Buster Williams]]{{Snd}} American jazz bassist<ref name="nytimes-williams">{{cite news |title=Celebrating a Saxohonist's Art and Heart |first=Ben |last=Ratliff |date=22 February 2007 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/arts/music/22brec.html |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Carmen Consoli]]{{Snd}} Italian singer and songwriter who sold two million albums in Italy<ref>{{cite news |title= Carmen Consoli Buddista e antinucleare la mia protesta cantata contro guerra e machismo |first=Carlo |last=Moretti |work=Repubblica |date=4 April 2011 |url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2011/04/20/carmen-consoli-buddista-antinucleare-la-mia-protesta.html|access-date=15 October 2015}}</ref>
* [[Celeste Lecesne]]{{Snd}} American actor and writer<ref>{{cite web |title=Celeste Lecesne: About |url=https://www.celestelecesne.com/about |access-date=22 July 2021}}</ref> of the Oscar-winning film ''[[Trevor (film)|Trevor]]'', co-founder of [[The Trevor Project]]<ref name="allamericanspeakers-lecesne">{{cite web |title=James Lecesne |work=Speaker Profile |url=http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/booking-request.php?SpName=James-Lecesne |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Cheryl Boone Isaacs]]{{Snd}} American film executive and the first African-American president of the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]<ref name="elementsofstyle-isaacs">{{cite news |title=Celebrating Diversity |first=Blaine |last=Charles |date=12 March 2014 |url=https://elementsoffierce.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/celebrating-diversity-86th-oscars-fab-five-favs/ |access-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Christine Rankin]]{{Snd}} Former head of the New Zealand [[Ministry of Social Development (New Zealand)|Ministry of Social Development]] and politician<ref name="herald-rankin">{{cite news |title=Free-range soul searching replacing organized religion in NZ |first=Claire |last=Harvey |date=31 December 2005 |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10361977 |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Claire Bertschinger]]{{Snd}} British nurse whose work inspired the formation of [[Live Aid]] and [[Band Aid (band)|Band Aid]] and was named a dame by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] for "serving to Nurse and to International Humanitarian Aid"<ref name="times-claire">{{cite news |title=Journey from famine to the hunger of the soul |first=Andrew |last=Heavens |date=29 January 2005 |work=The Times (UK)|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/faith/article2099773.ece |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Claudia Jessie]]{{Snd}} British actress, best known from the TV series ''[[Bridgerton]]''<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/shondaland-bridgerton-behind-the-scenes/a35193536/claudia-jessie-bridgerton-interview/ |title=Interview|website=www.shondaland.com|date=14 January 2021|access-date=24 January 2021}}</ref>
* [[Courtney Love]]{{Snd}} American musician, songwriter, actress, and artist, she is known as the lead singer from [[Hole (band)|Hole]] and for her roles in movies like ''[[The People vs. Larry Flynt]]'' and ''[[Man on the Moon (film)|Man on the Moon]]'', and was also nominated for four [[Grammy Awards]] and a [[Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globe]]<ref name="bbc-love">{{cite news |title=The Chanting Buddhas |first=Charlie |last=Ulyatt |date=9 January 2007 |work=BBC |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/articles/2007/01/09/buddhism_of_nichiren_daishonin_feature.shtml |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Craig Taro Gold]]{{Snd}} American best-selling author, entrepreneur, actor, singer-songwriter, producer, and philanthropist<ref name="yomiuri-gold">{{cite web | last =Gold | first =Taro | title =A Golden Renaissance: Renaissance Man Taro Gold | url =http://www.tarogold.com/renaissance-man/ | access-date =15 February 2016}}</ref>
* [[David Bennett Cohen]]{{Snd}} blues musician<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.qchron.com/qboro/stories/buddhist-peace-group-hosts-art-shows-performances/article_15d4be13-a78d-50ae-baea-88c22d131863.html | title=Buddhist Peace Group Hosts Art Shows, Performances}}</ref>
* [[Duncan Sheik]]{{Snd}} American [[Grammy Awards]] nominated singer-songwriter and composer<ref name="usatoday-sheik">{{cite news |title=Sheik scores on Broadway |first=Jeremy |last=Cowart |date=30 January 2007 |work=USA Today |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/theater/news/2007-01-30-duncan-sheik_x.htm |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Hank Johnson]]{{Snd}} [[United States House of Representatives|United States Congressman]] for [[Georgia's 4th congressional district]]<ref name="nytimes-johnson">{{cite news |title=A Congressman, a Muslim and a Buddhist Walk Into a Bar... |first=Sarah |last=Wheaton |date=2 January 2007 |work=The New York Times |url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/a-congressman-a-muslim-and-a-buddhist-walk-into-a-bar/?_r=1 |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Hayley Mills]]{{Snd}} English actress, best known for performances in movies such as ''[[Tiger Bay]]'' and ''[[Pollyanna (1960 film)|Pollyanna]]'', who received a [[Disney Legends|Disney Legends Award]] and won a [[BAFTA Awards|BAFTA]] and a Golden Globe<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftworthbuddhas.tripod.com/fwbuddhaspage/id12.html|title=Myo in the Media|website=Ft Worth Buddhas|publisher=Soka Gakkai International-[[Fort Worth, Texas|Fort Worth]]|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>
* [[Herbie Hancock]]{{Snd}} American jazz pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and composer who won 14 [[Grammy Awards]] and an [[Academy Awards|Oscar]]<ref name="sun-sentinel2">{{cite news |first=James D. |last=Davis |date=24 May 1996 |title=Enriching The Soul |work=The Sun-Sentinel |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1996-05-24/news/9605230673_1_soka-gakkai-buddhist-shopping-center-retreat-center |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Hisashi Iwakuma]]{{Snd}} [[Major League Baseball]] player, pitcher for the [[Seattle Mariners]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://sgiusapublications.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx#_title823520130601000000000010011/watitle823520130601000000000010011/8235/82352013060100000000001001/1/true | title=Sgi USA}}</ref>
* [[Howard Jones (British musician)|Howard Jones]]{{Snd}} English musician, singer and songwriter who had top ten 40 hit singles in the [[United Kingdom]]<ref name="howardjones">{{cite web | last =Jones | first =Howard | title =Howard On Buddhism | url =http://www.howardjones.com/buddhism.html | access-date =16 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Isabela Garcia]] - Brazilian actress known for her work on television [[soap opera]]s, she was called "the Brazilian [[Shirley Temple]]" on her youth.<ref>{{Citation |title=Teaser {{!}} Entrevista: Isabela Garcia {{!}} Brasil Seikyo 31 dez. 2018 {{!}} Ed. 2448 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ-1tw-WMO8 |language=en |access-date=2022-08-22}}</ref>
* [[John Astin]]{{Snd}} American actor best known for playing [[Gomez Addams]] on ''[[The Addams Family (1964 TV series)|The Addams Family]]''<ref name="sun-sentinel">{{cite news |title=Enriching The Soul |first=James D. |last=Davis |date=24 May 1996 |work=The Sun-Sentinel |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1996-05-24/news/9605230673_1_soka-gakkai-buddhist-shopping-center-retreat-center |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Letícia Colin]] - Brazilian actress, nominated for the [[50th International Emmy Awards|International Emmy Award]] for [[International Emmy Award for Best Actress|Best Actress]] for her role in the series ''[[Onde Está Meu Coração]]''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Autista |first=Mundo |date=2020-02-03 |title=Victor Mendonça lança, nessa semana, o livro "Ikeda - Um Século de Humanismo" |url=https://omundoautista.uai.com.br/victor-mendonca-lanca-nessa-semana-o-livro-ikeda-um-seculo-de-humanismo/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=O Mundo Autista |language=pt-BR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Letícia Colin é indicada a Melhor Atriz no Emmy Internacional por 'Onde Está Meu Coração': 'Imensamente feliz!' |url=https://gshow.globo.com/tudo-mais/pop/noticia/leticia-colin-e-indicada-ao-emmy.ghtml |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=gshow |language=pt-br}}</ref>
* [[Marcia Wallace]] - American actress, voice artist and comedian, who won an [[Emmy Awards]] for ''[[The Simpsons]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=Excerpt from Chapter 10: Our Love Is Here to Stay" from Don't Look Back, We're Not Going That Way, by Marcia Wallace, Marcia Wallace's Super Fine Wedding by Pamela Dumond, June 30, 2011, www.thepopculturedivas.com |url=http://www.thepopculturedivas.com/2011/06/marcia-wallaces-super-fine-wedding.html}}</ref>
* [[Mariane Pearl]]{{Snd}} French freelance journalist and former columnist and reporter, also known from the memoir ''[[A Mighty Heart]]''<ref name="washingtonpost-pearl">{{cite news |title=Widow's Strength Inspires Faithful: Public Statements Demonstrate Pearl's Buddhist Beliefs |first=Bill |last=Broadway |newspaper=the Washington Post |date=23 March 2002}}</ref>
* [[Néstor Torres]]{{Snd}} American jazz flautist<ref name="sun-sentinel"/>
* [[Nick Jago]]{{Snd}} British drummer known for being a former member of [[Black Rebel Motorcycle Club]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/noneon |title=Nick Jago (@NONEON) |publisher=[[Twitter]] |access-date=2017-02-26}}</ref>
* [[Orlando Bloom]]{{Snd}} British actor and [[UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador]] known for his roles in film, including [[Pirates of the Caribbean (film series)|''Pirates of the Caribbean'' trilogy]], [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' trilogy]], and ''[[Troy (film)|Troy]]''<ref name=hollywoodlife>{{cite news |title=Miranda Kerr Chants With Baby Flynn And Husband Orlando Bloom! |author=<!--Not stated--> |work=Hollywood Life |date=1 December 2011 |url=http://hollywoodlife.com/2011/12/01/miranda-kerr-orlando-bloom-chants/ |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Orlando Cepeda]]{{Snd}} American former Major League Baseball first baseman and member of the Hall of Fame<ref name="cepeda-biography">{{cite news |title=Baby Bull: From Hardball to Hard Time and Back |first=Orlando |last=Cepeda |publisher=Taylor Trade Publishing |year=1998 |isbn=9781461625131}}</ref>
* [[Patrick Duffy]]{{Snd}} American actor best known for his roles on television, including ''[[Dallas (1978 TV series)|Dallas]]'' and ''[[Step by Step (TV series)|Step by Step]]''<ref name="sun-sentinel"/>
* [[Roberto Baggio]]{{Snd}} Italian footballer and member of the [[FIFA World Cup Dream Team]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Budddisti Soka Gakkai. Una Sabina vi con convertirà |first=Sandro |last=Magister |date=4 September 1997 |work=Espress Online |language=it |url=http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/205886 |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Ron Glass]] - American actor best known for his roles as literary [[Barney Miller|Det. Ron Harris]] in the television [[sitcom]] ''[[Barney Miller]]'' (1975–1982)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-25 |title=Ronald Earle Glass (1945-2016) • |url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/ronald-earle-glass-1945-2016/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Sabina Guzzanti]]{{Snd}} Italian satirist, actress, and writer<ref>{{cite news |title=Buddhisti Soka Gakkai |first=Sandro |last=Magister |work=Espress Online |date=2 December 2008 |url=http://chiesa.espresso.repubblica.it/articolo/205886?refresh_ce |access-date=15 October 2015}}</ref>
* [[Shan Serafin]]{{Snd}} American film director, screenwriter and novelist<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3565777/bio?ref_=nm_ql_1 |title=Shan Serafin: Biography |date=n.d. |website=IMDb |access-date=2017-07-05}}</ref>
* [[Shunsuke Nakamura]]{{Snd}} Japanese soccer player, midfielder for the Scottish team [[Celtic F.C.]]<ref name="japantimes">{{cite news |title=Soka Gakkai keeps religious, political machine humming |first=Minoru |last=Matsutani |work=The Japan Times |date=2 December 2008 |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/12/02/reference/soka-gakkai-keeps-religious-political-machine-humming/#.VOS3yfnF-ap |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Sophia Mendonça]] {{Snd}}Brazilian [[author]] who focuses on the experience of being [[autistic]] and [[Transgender|trans]] and how that affects communication and [[sociality]] between individuals and groups.<ref>{{Cite web |title=https://genialcare.com.br/blog/autista-e-lgbtqia/ |url=https://genialcare.com.br/blog/autista-e-lgbtqia/ |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=genialcare.com.br |language=pt-BR}}</ref>
* [[Steven Sater]]{{Snd}} American playwright, lyricist and screenwriter best known for the [[Tony Awards|Tony]]-winning musical ''[[Spring Awakening (musical)|Spring Awakening]]''<ref name="nytimes-sater">{{cite news |title=Storming Broadway From Atop a Fortress |first=Joyce |last=Walder |date=14 December 2006 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/14/garden/14dakota.html?pagewanted=1 |work=The New York Times |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Suzanne Vega]]{{Snd}} American folk singer-songwriter<ref name="latimes-vega">{{cite news |title=Japan Sects Offer Personal Path in Rudderless Society |first=Maggie |last=Farley |date=26 March 1995 |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1995-03-26/news/mn-47348_1_aum-supreme-truth |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[Tina Turner]]{{Snd}} American singer, dancer, actress, and author, who sold over 100 million records worldwide and received 12 [[Grammy Awards]]<ref name="lionsroar-turner">{{cite news |title= What's Love Got to Do With It? |first=Andrea |last=Miller |date=March 2016 |url=http://www.lionsroar.com/tina-turner-whats-love-got-to-do-with-it/ |work=Lion's Roar Magazine |access-date=2 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="worldtribune-turner">{{cite news |title= The Queen of Hope |date=August 2018 |url=https://www.worldtribune.org/2018/07/queen-hope-tina-turner/ |work=Living Buddhism Magazine |access-date=8 August 2018}}</ref>
* [[Vinessa Shaw]]{{Snd}} American actress, best known from her roles in films such as ''[[Hocus Pocus (1993 film)|Hocus Pocus]]'' and ''[[Side Effects (2013 film)|Side Effects]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2009/feb/12/entertainment/et-performance12|title=Performance: Vinessa Shaw, by Michael Ordona, February 12, 2009, Los Angeles Times|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=12 February 2009 }}</ref>
* [[Wayne Shorter]]{{Snd}} American jazz saxophonist and composer, who won 11 [[Grammy Awards]]<ref name="nytimes-shorter">{{cite news |title=Major Jazz Eminence, Little Grise |first=Nate |last=Chinen |date=31 January 2013 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/arts/music/wayne-shorters-new-album-is-without-a-net.html?pagewanted=all |access-date=18 February 2015}}</ref>
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==References==
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soka_Gakkai_International"