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In August, Soka Gakkai members in Hiroshima and Nagasaki commemorated the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombings of the cities. Prayer meetings for all those who have lost their lives and those affected by nuclear weapons and war were held. Other events included youth peace festivals and an online meeting focusing on the testimony of a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing.   

On August 3, the 202nd Hiroshima Study Lecture Series for Peace was held at the Hiroshima Ikeda Peace Memorial Hall. The lecture was given by Hideo Asano, coordinator of the Japan Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. On August 8, the 111th Nagasaki Peace Lecture was held at the Soka Gakkai Nagasaki Peace Center. Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to Japan Sussi Jiménez Núñez delivered a lecture titled “Peace and Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Contribution to Building a Safer and More Peaceful World.”

In response to the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28, several local Soka Gakkai centers were temporarily opened to provide emergency shelter. A volunteer relief team including members from neighboring areas was also formed and is carrying out clean-up activities and providing assistance. On August 2, 114 volunteers from this team divided into 29 groups and visited 40 locations to assist in clearing rubble from damaged houses in severely affected areas.

Local Soka Gakkai leaders continue to provide encouragement and support to those affected and dispatch essential supplies such as water and hygiene products. The Soka Gakkai has also pledged significant donations in support of humanitarian assistance to be provided by local governments in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto City, Uki City, Uto City, Yatsushiro City and Hikawa Town.   

In July, Soka Gakkai youth around the world held events marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the young women’s and young men’s divisions. On July 26, SGI-Panama held a youth culture festival at its center in Panama City, attended by members from across the country. The event featured a diverse program of dance and musical performances. In Ghana, meetings were held nationwide, and the youth also conducted community initiatives including cleanups and health seminars. Commemorative events were also held in Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Peru and Portugal.