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On January 20, the Soka Gakkai’s Seikyo Shimbun newspaper reported that Hope Is a Decision, a selection of essays by President Daisaku Ikeda, has been published in Norwegian by Solum Bokvennen. The translation was led by Dr. Alexander Harang, distinguished adjunct professor at Soka University of America. The book is the first of President Ikeda’s works to be published in Norwegian, bringing the total number of translated editions of his books to 2,500 in 52 languages.

From January 17 to 19, the European Kosen-rufu Conference 2025 was held at the Frankfurt Ikeda Peace Culture Centre in Germany to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) on January 26, 1975. Some 220 members from 38 countries attended the meeting, which featured group discussions and activity reports from France, Italy and Spain.

During the meeting, the newly appointed cochairs of the European Youth Committee, Sascha Muff and Akari Nakanishi, announced an activity plan for the next two years under the theme “One Step for Peace.”

On January 15, a delegation led by SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa visited Mercedes Murillo, director general of Religious Freedom of the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts in Spain. Ms. Murillo spoke about how, against the backdrop of increasing division, religion could contribute to society through dialogue rooted in coexistence and tolerance. Luis Morente Leal, president of the Buddhist Union of Spain, was also present.

Later that day, the delegation visited the Spanish Bishops’ Conference and met with Carlos López Segovia, vice-secretary for General Affairs, and Rafael Vázquez, secretary for Interconfessional Relations. Their discussions highlighted how religion can help tackle pressing global issues by bringing people together.

The following day, on January 16, the delegation also met with University of Alcalá Rector José Vicente Saz.