The origin of and the reason for the name"Nichiren Shoshu of America" (which was later changed ca. 1989 to SGI-USA)

November 13, 1966

Kansai Leaders Meeting, Osaka

First, I would like to announce that the decision has been made to establish a branch temple of Taisekiji, the Head Temple of Nichiren Shoshu, on the second floor of the Paris Kaikan (Hall). The Gohonzon to be enshrined in the temple has already been completed and the Gohonzon-enshrining ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 17. (Applause) We have asked the Head Temple to dispatch Rev. Doo Hayase in place of High Priest Nittatsu Shonin to conduct the ceremony in Paris.

The Gohonzon-enshrining ceremony will be followed by Gojukai ceremonies in which about 30 believers from London, Dusseldorf, Rome and other cities as well as from Paris, will participate. Taking advantage of this trip, they will sit for examinations on Buddhism and participate in guidance meetings. Because of my tight schedule, I will be unable to go to the Gohonzon-enshrining ceremony but I will promote activities along with all of you here. (Applause)

Now, I wish to have your consent on a decision of the Board of Directors to which I have agreed, in consideration for the future of believers in this religion. This is to rename all of the overseas organizations of the Sokagakkai to "Nichiren Shoshu."

As if there's any possibility there could be any significant opposition to anything The Great Ikeda proposes! LOL!!

Since in Japan the Sokagakkai is promoting a campaign for the realization of the ideal of Obutsu Myogo (Fusion of Politics and Buddhism) as the parent body of the Komeito (Clean Government Party), people overseas may view the Sokagakkai as a mere political organization due to their lack of understanding.

Or, perhaps, due to their understanding all too well O_O

At present, there are more than 150,000 members in overseas areas and they are developing remarkably. Therefore, each government is deeply concerned about the Sokagakkai. In the past we have officially registered the name of the Sokagakkai as a religious organization in more than 10 countries and they have officially begun their activities. Outside of Japan, other than the Sokagakkai there are no lay organizations of Nichiren Shoshu similar to the Hokkeko here in Japan. Among the overseas countries, however, Okinawa is an exception. Only our organizations in Japan and Okinawa will keep the name Sokagakkai eternally as they do now. In all other countries of the world, however, I wish to propose that our organizations be renamed "Nichiren Shoshu." Do you agree with me? (Applause)

Even though the names are changed, there will be no difference in the activities in those countries such as the method of propagating the Gohonzon. For example, there will be such names as the "Nichiren Shoshu of Brazil" or the "Nichiren Shoshu of America," respectively. Naturally, I am responsible for all guidance and correspondence with the leaders of these organizations. There is no problem, however, since I am the head of all Nichiren Shoshu lay believers and am responsible for all of them.

Means "I can do whatever I like" O_O

I wish to declare today that the religious activities in countries other than Japan and Okinawa should be carried out for the purpose of creating a better culture and prosperity, which will extol the value of Nichiren Shoshu as a world religion and respond to the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin. I wish to declare again that we will not engage in any political activities in overseas countries. (Loud applause)

As the Sokagakkai has already been organized as a religious body in more than 10 countries, these organizations will be officially re-registered as "Nichiren Shoshu" during the coming year. - from "Lectures on Buddhism", Vol. 5, Copyright 1970.

Make up your mind, asshole.