Victorious Kansai

Victorious Kansai (midcol2 52-midcol2 54)

     ‘The headquarters leaders meeting was held at the Toshima Public Hall in Tokyo on May 1. As had been expected, the participants were astounded by the Osaka Chapter’s exploit. A single chapter converting 9,002 households in one month! It was the most spectacular achievement in the history of the Soka Gakkai. Indeed, it was as if a dream cherished for 700 years had come true… When Sakai’s 1,111 was added, the results achieved by the two chapters in Kansai amounted to well over 10,000, nearly forty-two percent of the nationwide total.’

Shock and awe.

The amazing accomplishment of Kansai profoundly affected leaders from other areas. A senior leader, while lauding the Kansai accomplishment, chastised the Tokyo leaders for their lukewarm practice. Another called for more emphasis on discussion meetings instead of planning and organizational meetings. Leaders should lead the way, he said, instead of just showing up late, offering a few words of encouragement and running off to some more important engagement. Neither of these leaders, however, understood the intense effort that Shinichi had made to develop Kansai.
President Toda, perceiving that the atmosphere in the hall was stiffening, invited some long distance members to the platform, as if to thank them for the trouble they had taken. He then initiated a question and answer session during which he gave guidance on a number of issues. A member asked about how to conduct shakubuku. President Toda talked at length on that subject. Strongly encouraged by President Toda the leaders were filled with resolve as they headed back to their respective regions..

Points to ponder
     Reflect on Katsu Kiyohara’s remarks.
     What do you think about Yukio Ishikawa’s comments about the actions of Tokyo leaders?
     Consider President Toda’s talk about how to conduct shakubuku.