Nichiren Shu plans to include Taiseki-ji under its umbrella

Rev. Sato has been famous with his opinion that Minobu Nichirenshu should affiliate Nichiren Shoshu Taisekiji under its umbrella. He contributed an article to "FUKYOSHI-KAIHO" (Newsletter for Preaching Instructors) on March 31, 1997 as the Chief Preaching Instructor of Yamanashi Prefecture #1 region. He wrote:

"Since Nichiren Shoshu is suffering from the lack of Danto believers, we should invite them to join our believer’s unions." "When I was in charge of Kuonji worshipping division, about 50 students of Rissho University (they are from Taisekiji) had visited Kuonji and received the GOKAIHI (worshipping the main Gohonzon). We should take this as a sign for the future movement."

Rev. Sato’s article in GENDAI BUKKYO (Modern Buddhism; July 1995) was titled, "Stubborn Taisekiji which had never opened its door to other sects is now showing flexibility." (see illustration below)

Rev. Sato proposed, "Up todate, Taisekiji was stubborn and never opened to other sects. Now, Taisekiji invited us to visit inside and outside of various temple buildings. We have to catch this change and evaluate highly their new attitude. I believe this is the best opportunity to create the atmosphere and unity that we are all disciples of Nichiren Shonin, and invite Taisekiji to join us."

In essence, Minobu Nichirenshu wants to bring Taisekiji under its umbrella. Yamazaki, who has no faith and is only interested in money and power, is acting as the envoy for High Priest Nikken. Interestingly enough, Nikken has also no faith and is interested in only money and power. The combination of Nikken and Yamazaki is surely destroying Nichiren Shoshu.
Source: Soka Shimpo November 17, 1997

On October 5, 1994, Rev. Jun’ei Sato of Minobu Nichirenshu (Chief priest of Shima-bo of Kuonji) and 7 other members had visited Taisekiji. Rev. Sato contributed an article, "Report of Visiting and Worshipping Taisekiji" to GENDAI-BUKKYO (Modern Buddhism; a monthly magazine of Minobu Nichirenshu).

Rev. Sato explained in this article that the visit was made possible by an official phone call of invitation from Rev. Takudo Ogawa (a chief priest of Rikyo-bo of Taisekiji and a board members of Internal Affairs of Taisekiji).

Rev. Sato mentioned that he has had frequent meetings with Masatomo Yamazaki (an ex-attorney of Soka Gakkai who was imprisoned for his extortion against Soka Gakkai. After his release, he became a Danto member of Rikyo-bo where Rev. Ogawa lives.) Rev. Sato also mentioned that Rev. Ogawa introduced Yamazaki to him as a person who is directly connected to 67th High Priest Nikken. On December 10, 1994, Yamazaki had a secret meeting with the General Administrator Nichijun Fujimoto at Fujimi-an of Taisekiji. According to EMYO (priesthood magazine), Yamazaki became officially a Danto member of Rikyo-bo around that time.

On November 24, 1994, Yamazaki was invited by Yamanashi Joint Preaching Instructors meeting (where Rev. Sato is the chief instructor). Yamazaki gave a lecture with a greeting words, "This is the greatest honor to be invited by the meeting of all Nichiren’s disciples."

On December 6, 1994, Yamazaki was invited to give a lecture at the KEIHIN KYOKU (Tokyo and Yokohama Preaching Unit) Research Meeting. At this meeting, Yamazaki instigated Minobu priests to attack Taisekiji using ITAHONZON GISAKURON (A Doubt on the Authenticity of the Dai-Gohonzon; a book published by Minobu scholar Bentetsu Yasui; this book was refuted thoroughly by Nichiren Shoshu 66th High Priest Nittatsu). Please remember Yamazaki attacked Nichiren Shoshu!

On February 24, 1995, Yamazaki was invited to attend a meeting of Iida Buddhist Organization in Nagano Prefecture (the place for Nagano Winter Olympic). He lectured that all religious people should unite to attack Soka Gakkai. This time, Yamazaki attacked Soka Gakkai.

For Yamazaki, who is writing numerous fabricated story in Japanese tabloids, a belief or consistency is not important. As long as he can receive money, he can say whatever he wants.

The highlight of Yamazaki’s activity was the Training meeting of FUKYO KENKYUKAI (Research Association for Propagation) held at Minobusan University on September 16, 1997. A Nichirenshu Japanese homepage reported this meeting in detail. (see photo below)

It reads, "Religious Critic and Journalist, Masatomo Yamazaki Sensei gave a lecture. Since we priests do not have much opportunity to listen to such a lecture, it was very informative and stimulative. We were fortunately enough to be invited by Sensei Yamazaki to a Sake drink party on that evening. Indeed we had a good time with Sensei."

Actually, as the following photo shows, Yamazaki invited Minobu priests to Shimobe Hot Spa and relaxed to enjoy the party.

The next day, about 30 Minobu priests who had attended Yamazaki’s lecture, took a bus ride to Taisekiji for visit. Frame A of the following photo shows these priests visiting MIEI-DO building. Frames B,C,D show intimate relationship between Nichiren Shoshu and Nichiren Shu.

A. Minobu Priests worshipped at MIEIDO of Taisekiji in September 1997

B. Mr. Yanagisawa, the leader of Hokkeko Union Organization (circled) visited Kuonji of Nichiren Shu in August 1995.

C. Rev . Nikkai Takano (circled), Nichiren Shoshu Noke (the position second to the High Priest) is greeting the High Priest of Ikegami Honmonji of Nichiren Shu in July 1995.

D. Rev. Kaido Seki (an influential priest of Nichiren Shoshu who was involved in drafting "Operation C.") was worshipping at Tanjoji (the birth place for "Nichiren Shonin" of Nichiren Shu) in Chiba in March 1995.

`The reunion of Taisekiji and Minobu is progressing beyond our imagination by Yamazaki, who is serving as the ambassador of Taisekiji appointed by High Priest Nikken. Now, declining Nichiren Shoshu under the leadership of corrupt High Priest Nikken is making a tie with Minobu Nichirenshu by the arrangement of a swindler Yamazaki. Can the reunion of these two sects, which have been like WATER AND OIL for centuries accomplished?

Source: Soka Shimpo November 17, 1997