Rissho Kosei-kai International

01/06/2026

The Donate-a-Meal Movement is one of Rissho Kosei-kai’s peace activities that has been warmly supported for more than 50 years since its inception. This movement invites people to reflect on those suffering from conflicts, disasters, and poverty in the world. By donating a portion of the money you might spend on meals or small luxuries, you contribute, in the spirit of sharing, to the movement’s activities.

The core principles of the movement are empathy, prayer, and donation. The movement began in 1975 with participants forgoing one meal several times a month and donating the equivalent amount of money. Today, Donate-a-Meal is practiced in various ways in Japan and the world and adapted to suit individual lifestyles.

This movement highlights the joy and fulfillment that come from acting thoughtfully toward others. Through this practice, we cherish the feelings of kindness and compassion growing within ourselves.

To learn more about the Donate-a-Meal Movement, please visit: https://rk-world.org/donate-a-meal-movement/

15/05/2026

The Buddhist Institute, established in 1930, has long served as Cambodia’s largest religious and cultural organization. However, it suffered utter devastation under the Khmer Rouge regime. Since 1993, through the support of the Donate-a-Meal Movement, efforts have been made to revive Buddhism in Cambodia through the Buddhist Institute.

Furthermore, since 2016, new support initiatives have been implemented for the Buddhist Institute. In fiscal year 2025, the final year (extension year) of Phase III of the three-year plan, the highest priority was placed on “strengthening the organizational foundation for self-reliance,” and activities were carried out under the following seven major areas:

1. Publication of “Kambuja Soriya” (a magazine)
2. Editing and publication of ancient manuscripts
3. Religious and cultural lecture programs
4. Library activities
5. IT and public relations activities
6. Improvement of operation environments and administrative management
7. Human resource development

Achievements and Future Outlook
This year, the number of beneficiaries exceeded 15,000. Although challenges remain, such as shortages of equipment and vehicles, the staff have demonstrated a growing sense of initiative, even using their own vehicles to conduct field research in rural areas.

Beginning in 2026, the Institute will transition to fully autonomous administration under the government budget. Looking ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2030, the Buddhist Institute will continue its new journey as an institution contributing to the development of Buddhism and traditional culture in Cambodia.

To learn more about the Donate-a-Meal Movement, please visit: https://rk-world.org/donate-a-meal-movement/

01/05/2026

The Donate-a-Meal Movement is one of Rissho Kosei-kai’s peace activities that has been warmly supported for more than 50 years since its inception. This movement invites people to reflect on those suffering from conflicts, disasters, and poverty in the world. By donating a portion of the money you might spend on meals or small luxuries, you contribute, in the spirit of sharing, to the movement’s activities.

The core principles of the movement are empathy, prayer, and donation. The movement began in 1975 with participants forgoing one meal several times a month and donating the equivalent amount of money. Today, Donate-a-Meal is practiced in various ways in Japan and the world and adapted to suit individual lifestyles.

This movement highlights the joy and fulfillment that come from acting thoughtfully toward others. Through this practice, we cherish the feelings of kindness and compassion growing within ourselves.

To learn more about the Donate-a-Meal Movement, please visit: https://rk-world.org/donate-a-meal-movement/

Photo: Japan International Volunteer Center

20/04/2026

The Rissho Kosei-kai Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace has announced a donation of about US$19,000 to Bukas Palad Cebu Foundation Inc. (BPCFI), a social initiative of the Focolare Movement, for emergency relief to support survivors of Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino), that struck portions of the central Philippines, particularly Cebu, between November 4 and 5, 2025.

Flooding from overflowing rivers inundated residential areas, particularly in Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City, Consolacion, Liloan, and Compostela. Many houses and vehicles were swept away, severely damaging the foundations of people’s daily lives and causing numerous fatalities.

As an emergency response, BPCFI distributed food and basic necessities between November and December 2025 to approximately 600 households in 10 affected communities with which it maintains direct contact. Even now, many households continue to live in tents after their homes were flooded, as the damage remains severe.

These contributions are made possible through the compassionate participation of individuals in the Donate-a-Meal Movement. By voluntarily forgoing meals several times a month and offering the saved funds, they express solidarity with those in need, praying that their contributions bring relief and promote world peace.

The Donate-a-Meal Movement embodies the spirit of the “One Vehicle” philosophy of the Lotus Sutra, which teaches that all people are interconnected, like brothers and sisters, sustained by the one great life of the universe.

We offer our heartfelt prayers for the peace, comfort, and swift recovery of all those affected by the typhoon. May they be protected and supported in this difficult time.

15/04/2026

With support from the Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace, Terra Renaissance, a Japanese NGO, implemented the “Community Resilience Enhancement Project for Conflict-Affected Vulnerable Communities in the Dimbelenge Region.”

In the Dimbelenge region of Kasaï-Central Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, many people have lost their lives and livelihoods due to conflict since 2016. Although the conflict has subsided, residents remain vulnerable to poverty and the risk of renewed armed clashes.

In light of this situation, Terra Renaissance implemented livelihood support through introducing sustainable oil palm processing techniques, soap making, and tailoring skills, alongside investigating and analyzing past support outcomes, from June 2024 for one year. Their activities aimed to protect the lives and livelihoods of people affected by conflict, especially women and children, and to enhance community resilience—the ability to adapt flexibly to various difficulties and risks through the strength of local people.

The average income of beneficiaries, who were living in extreme poverty with an average monthly income of $8.20 at the start of support, increased approximately ninefold after support. The rate of asset ownership (savings, land, livestock) also increased significantly. Furthermore, it was found that diversifying the means of livelihood and improving self-esteem are related to improving and maintaining livelihoods.

To learn more about the Donate-a-Meal Movement, please visit: https://rk-world.org/donate-a-meal-movement/

Photos: Terra Renaissance

-a-meal

14/04/2026

In a time of deep uncertainty and suffering, we invite you to pause, join your heart with others around the world, and take part in a Worldwide Sutra Recitation Offering of the Threefold Lotus Sutra for peace in the Middle East and across the globe.

Together, we will remember all those who have lost their lives in war and conflict, and offer sincere prayers for:
an immediate end to violence and a return to dialogue,
the strength to overcome hatred and choose mutual respect,
peace and stability in people’s daily lives,
and a future in which children can live with hope, safety, and dignity.

Wherever you are, your prayer matters.
Please join us in this shared moment of compassion, remembrance, and hope.

Date & Time
Japan: April 19, 2026 (Sun), 3:00 AM–12:30 PM
Los Angeles: April 18, 2026 (Sat), 11:00 AM–8:30 PM

https://530d7c69-3fb3-4c0e-bd3d-0027725e57f6.usrfiles.com/ugd/530d7c_cf6a016b39d44595a37de1684cefd69c.pdf

Live stream
https://www.youtube.com/live/nJDll8bWkGs?si=ZwpUjXnAs3Rtx0I-

Let us come together and pray for peace.

The Rissho Kosei-kai lay Buddhist International Community will offer a Prayer for Peace – transcending conflict – through the recitation of the Threefold Lot...

14/04/2026

On February 25, 2026, President-designate Kosho Niwano welcomed Mr. Francesco Pecorari, Acting Secretary General of Peoples and Religions of the Community of Sant’Egidio, to Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo.

Mr. Pecorari has been leading the organization of the International Meeting for Peace over the past several years. Inspired by the historic 1986 Assisi World Day of Prayer convened by Pope John Paul II, the Community of Sant’Egidio has continued to host this annual gathering in cities across Europe and the Mediterranean. The International Meeting for Peace has fostered a global network of friendship among religious and cultural representatives from more than 60 countries.

Rissho Kosei-kai has long cherished its partnership with the Community and has participated in the International Meeting for Peace almost every year since its inception. In 2016, both organizations signed the “Common Agreement of Friendship,” strengthening their collaboration—particularly in supporting people in Africa facing poverty and exploitation.

During their warm and constructive exchange, President-designate Niwano and Mr. Pecorari discussed the future of interreligious cooperation and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening their partnership and working together for world peace.

Photos: Kosei Publishing Company

’Egidio

08/04/2026

The Rissho Kosei-kai Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace has announced an additional donation of US$19,000 to the non-governmental organization JEN and US$12,700 to Peace Village United for emergency relief to support survivors of the major earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on August 31, 2025.

With this support, JEN will conduct training on water hygiene management for members of the Water Management Committee, provide maintenance toolkits, and construct water supply facilities, including one well, one water storage tank, and 30 water distribution points.

Peace Village United will provide cash assistance to female-headed households, widowed women, and families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged in Darai Nur, Nangarhar Province.

These contributions are made possible through the compassionate participation of individuals in the Donate-a-Meal Movement. By voluntarily forgoing meals several times a month and offering the saved funds, they express solidarity with those in need, praying that their contributions bring relief and promote world peace.

The Donate-a-Meal Movement embodies the spirit of the “One Vehicle” philosophy of the Lotus Sutra, which teaches that all people are interconnected, like brothers and sisters, sustained by the one great life of the universe.

We offer our heartfelt prayers for the peace, comfort, and swift recovery of all those affected by the earthquake. May they be protected and supported in this difficult time.

Photos: Non-Governmental Organization JEN

06/04/2026

On March 12, 2026, in response to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Rissho Kosei-kai issued a message titled “A Message Regarding the Escalation of the Military Conflict in the Middle East.”

We invite you to read and reflect on this message, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasizes the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and respect for the dignity of all life.

02/04/2026

https://youtu.be/2-_tgfW5JSY
We are grateful to share this video featuring scenes from “Beyond Conflict, Becoming One: A Prayer for Peace between Cambodia and Thailand,” held on February 8, 2026. With prayer and compassion, youth members from Bangkok and Phnom Penh came together in unity, offering their sincere wish for peace.

This video captures scenes from “Beyond Conflict, Becoming One: A Prayer for Peace between Cambodia and Thailand,” held on February 8, 2026. Through prayer a...