The Dalian Association for Research on Daisaku Ikeda’s Philosophy Launched
Approximately 180 researchers and students attended the launch of the Dalian Association for Research on Daisaku Ikeda’s Philosophy
On September 3, 2024, the Dalian Association for Research on Daisaku Ikeda’s Philosophy was inaugurated in Dalian, China, marking the 50th anniversary of DaisakuIkeda’s first visit to China and his meeting with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1974. The launch was attended by members of the Dalian People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, university faculty and students in Dalian, as well as representatives from Soka University in Japan, which was founded by Mr. Ikeda.
During
the ceremony, President Cui Yafei of
the Dalian China-Japan Educational and Cultural Exchange Association delivered
an address, followed by
former president Zhao Yaping,
who emphasized the significance
of studying and applying Mr. Ikeda’s philosophy of peace ideals, particularly
in today’s complex international landscape. Soka University Vice Board Chairman Yoshihide Akiya, Dalian Polytechnic University
President Li Changwu and Director Zhang Xiaogang of the Daisaku Ikeda Culture
Research Institute at Changchun Normal University, also shared remarks.
Students from both countries sang a song titled “The Bond of Cherry Blossoms.”
The association, part of the Dalian Society of China-Japan Educational and Cultural Exchange, aims to enhance educational and cultural ties and promote peace and friendship between the two countries across generations. It brings together the Daisaku Ikeda research centers at Dalian Polytechnic University, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian University of Foreign Languages, Dalian Art College and Dalian University. Liu Aijun, director of the Research Institute on Daisaku Ikeda’s Philosophy at Dalian Polytechnic University, serves as the chair.
A commemorative photo of participants at the opening of the Daisaku Ikeda Research Center at Dalian University, China, including Party Committee Secretary Wang (front row, fourth from right) and Soka University Vice Board Chairman Yoshihide Akiya (front row, fourth from left)
On the same day, Dalian University opened the new Daisaku Ikeda Research Center on its campus, attended by around 150 guests, including Party Committee Secretary Wang Jinliang, Dalian University Vice President Xia Yang and a Soka University delegation from Japan. Located in one of China’s major international cities, Dalian University has exchanges with over 140 institutions across 19 countries and territories worldwide. In 2008, the university awarded Mr. Ikeda an honorary professorship for his contributions to Sino-Japanese friendship. During the event, Party Secretary Wang highlighted the significance of Mr. Ikeda’s first visit to China and his meeting with Premier Zhou Enlai. Director Wang Xiaojun of the research center expressed hopes to strengthen academic ties throughout China and abroad, while continuing Mr. Ikeda’s legacy of Sino-Japanese friendship and education of youth.
[Adapted from articles in the September 11 and 12, 2024, issues of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]
