Nichiren Shōshū stands out with its insistence that the authentic Gohonzon is bestowed only through the high priest at Taisekiji, making the priesthood the indispensable bridge to the Lotus Sutra’s power. Chanting sessions (Gongyō) follow a precise, time-honored ritual, and lay members aren’t encouraged to perform priestly duties. This traditional sect keeps a tight rein on doctrinal interpretation, so every nuance of recitation and ceremonial practice stays “by the book.”

By contrast, Soka Gakkai fashioned itself as a grassroots, lay-driven movement. After parting ways in 1991, it leaned into social engagement, peace initiatives and educational outreach—think online peace proposals or global youth forums. The Gohonzon is entrusted directly to individual members, bypassing a clerical class. That cut-the-cord approach allows flexibility in gatherings (sometimes even virtual chant circles during the pandemic), making it feel more like a community of peers than a hierarchical church.

Other Nichiren branches take yet different paths. Nichiren Shū, for instance, opens doors to various Sutras alongside the Lotus, maintains numerous temples beyond Taisekiji and employs a broader range of liturgies. Some smaller factions—like the Fuju-Fuse groups—emphasize strict non-cooperation with “erroneous” authorities, while others blend folk traditions, local deities and Lotus chants into regional festivals.

With Nichiren Shōshū, every bow and syllable is tightly woven into centuries-old lineage claims. Soka Gakkai’s mantra is “empowerment through participation,” spawning schools, UN partnerships and digital chanting apps. Meanwhile, Nichiren Shū and its offshoots often act as a middle ground, balancing priestly guidance with communal flexibility. It’s a classic tale of tradition versus innovation, each branch marching to its own drum while tracing roots back to the same 13th-century reformer.