09/12/2026
On August 18, 2026, Rev. Takashi Maeda, Director of Rissho Kosei-kai International, and Rev. Hidenobu Suzuki, Deputy Director of Rissho Kosei-kai International, met with Mr. Masayuki Kawai, Executive Director of Japan for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), and Mr. Kenji Asai, who is in charge of the Corporate Giving Private Partnerships & Philanthropy Fundraising Group of Japan for UNHCR.
On April 19, Rissho Kosei-kai International held the Worldwide Sutra Recitation Offering of the Threefold Lotus Sutra, with the recitation dedicated to peace in the Middle East and throughout the world. Approximately 4,000 participants from 32 centers in 17 countries joined together in reciting the sutra as a prayer for peace.
During and following the recitation, members of Rissho Kosei-kai around the world offered donations in solidarity with those affected by the conflicts in the Middle East. These heartfelt contributions were entrusted to the Rissho Kosei-kai Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace.
The Rissho Kosei-kai Donate-a-Meal Fund for Peace donated a total of 5 million yen, including the contributions collected through the Worldwide Sutra Recitation Offering, to Japan for UNHCR to provide humanitarian assistance to people displaced by the conflicts in the Middle East that began on February 28, 2026.
During the meeting, Mr. Kawai presented Rev. Maeda with a letter of appreciation for Rissho Kosei-kai’s support. Mr. Kawai and Mr. Asai also shared updates on the current humanitarian situation in the Middle East.
We offer our heartfelt wish that the prayers and compassionate actions of people around the world bring hope and peace to those whose lives have been affected by conflict.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has joined us in prayer and compassion and who has continued to support peace and those affected by conflict.
