“We are not merely passive pawns of historical forces; nor are we victims of the past. We can shape and direct history.”

Japanese Buddhist leader, author, educator and nuclear disarmament advocate

Daisaku Ikeda was a Japanese Buddhist leader, author, educator, and advocate for nuclear disarmament. He served as the third president of Soka Gakkai and later as its honorary president. He was associated with one of Japan’s largest new religious movements, Soka Gakkai, and became a public figure through leadership, writing, and educational work. His public role also included speaking for nuclear disarmament, alongside his long involvement in the organization.