A vibrant mosaic of learning and creativity unfolds through Soka Gakkai’s educational and cultural offerings, all rooted in the belief that raising the quality of life begins with nurturing the heart and mind.

Educational Programs
• Soka Education System: From kindergartens through universities, a global network of schools—like Soka University in Hachiōji, Japan, and Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo—champions humanistic pedagogy. Emphasis falls on critical thinking, intercultural dialogue and empathy.
• Youth Division Workshops: Teen and young-adult study seminars feature peer-led discussions on leadership, social justice and environmental stewardship. Participants learn to “think outside the box,” tackling real-world challenges through small-group projects.
• Online Study Circles and Webinars: Recent digital initiatives have surged post-pandemic, offering live lectures by educators and Skype-style breakout sessions. Themes range from “Peacebuilding in a Polarized World” to “Art as a Catalyst for Social Change.”

Cultural Programs
• World Culture Festival: Drawing hundreds of thousands to host cities—New Delhi in 2018, Berlin in 2022—the festival spotlights music, dance and visual arts from around the globe. Performances celebrate unity in diversity, resonating with current calls for cross-border solidarity.
• Arts Exhibitions and Contests: Photography, calligraphy and painting competitions invite amateurs and professionals alike to explore personal transformation through creative expression. Winning works often travel as part of a global touring exhibition.
• Peace Symposia and Film Screenings: Local chapters present documentary films—recently a screening on climate refugees—followed by roundtable discussions. Experts, activists and youth share the stage, sparking grassroots initiatives that echo UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Cultural Exchange Visits: Delegations of students and community leaders tour Soka schools and cultural centers abroad, fostering friendships that bridge continents. Recent trips to Okinawa focused on post-war reconciliation and island ecology.

Together, these programs light the way toward a society where education and culture aren’t just ivory-tower ideals but down-to-earth tools for positive change. Each initiative rings true to the idea that when individuals awaken their potential, ripples of transformation expand far beyond any single classroom or gallery.