Aspiration for the good society - Religion and Politics in Contemporary Japan - page 89

Toshi was a second-year law student, and Tobi a third-year social science
student. Tobi often played the devil s advocate among his peers when it came

to their support for Komeito. Both were graduates of Soka High School in
Tokyo. Tobi was regarded by others (rather admiringly because he was well
versed in social theory) as critical in particular of Komeito

'

s position on the
Iraq War. One day over lunch, the following conversation unfolded:

'

' Fundamentally, I support because the party was made by Ikeda-sensei ' ,

Toshi declared.
' Just supporting for that reason is a bit dangerous isn ' it?' it? ' Tobi inquired.

first reason. The second reason is that I believe election
activities are like working for k - sen-rufu, that I support politicians who
have the same beliefs, to spread the ideals of Nichiren Daishonin in the
political realm.

' Well that ' sthe

'
(conversation with a group of UNRC members, 02/06/2004)

Toshi continued to elaborate that he liked the then head of Komeito, Kanzaki
Takenori, as he was inspired by his career as a lawyer, and his behaviour as a
husband who had called his wife every night when they had lived in separate places.

' Just because you like his personality ' , Tobi argued, ' what about the policies? '

' '

Of course also that, but I like him, Toshi answered.

Knowing of and being able to identify with politicians as human beings
cemented the trust supporters had in stated political objectives. It was not
uncommon to have met the politician they supported, or at least to have seen
them at an election rally. A few of them had written to and got answers from
their political representative. In this way, there was often identi

cation with
and admiration for politicians, as well as some sense of physical proximity.
Politicians were not seen as far-away figures beyond the life of ordinary

people, or as brokers of their own power base.
The trust they felt towards those politicians they admired was intertwined
with their participation in Soka Gakkai activities. Maguro saw the philosophy
and activities of both the UNRC with its focus on international issues and
Soka Gakkai in general as activities that developed one ' s humanity (ningen-

sei), and compassion (jihi) for people who were su ering. He felt that it was

his personal responsibility to try to help people in his immediate environment.
Although Soka Gakkai engages in numerous cultural and social activities,
arguably a bigger social impact is the empowerment of individuals who see
their own actions as key to changing their immediate environment.

The first step is to develop such away of thinking, and then to see where each

person in their individual circumstances can help The most important

thing is that people address those around them who are su

…

ering.
(conversation with Maguro, 31/05/2004)