Daisaku Ikeda, Honorary President of the Soka Gakkai, died on November 15, 2023 at the age of 95. This year marks the third anniversary of his death. Masami Hisamoto and Rie Shibata, who are frantically making speeches in support of Kōmeitō lawmakers, have undergone major changes this year. With the election of Sanae Takaichi as president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito withdrew from the coalition that had been in place for 26 years in October. It now faces the Diet as an opposition party. As a result, Komeito’s influence in national politics will inevitably decline. In addition, the “electoral cooperation” with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which the party has been engaged in up to now, is expected to cease, making it difficult for the party to win elections in primary elections. Furthermore, with the replacement of the “Japan Restoration Association” as a member of the ruling coalition, discussions on the reduction of the number of seats in the House of Representatives, which they advocate, are now in full swing. If the number of seats in the proportional districts is reduced, it will be a major blow to the Komeito, which has a strong showing in these districts. In other words, the Soka Gakkai and Komeito are facing a major crisis. There is no doubt that Honorary President Ikeda’s charisma, ability to control people’s hearts, and ability as an agitator are behind the Soka Gakkai’s growth since the end of World War II to the point where the organization now boasts 8.27 million households (in Japan). What must not be forgotten, however, is the influence that he has had on the proselytizing and vote-collecting activities of prominent celebrities who have joined the society. Some of them joined the “Artistic Department,” an organization within the society, and some made their faith known to the public as they strove to gain followers and support the election of the New Komeito Party. Others, while not professing their faith to the outside world, have played a major role in enhancing the centripetal force of the organization, Mr. Ikeda, and the New Komeito by promoting its “benefits” within the organization. How will these believing entertainers react to the crisis described above? Their words and actions will undoubtedly affect the future of the giant organization. Shukan Shincho interviewed Hidekazu Nagai, a former member of the Arts Department, comedian, and Nishitokyo City Council member, on the occasion of the death of Honorary President Ikeda two years ago. The article details Ikeda’s relationship with the entertainer. The following is a recapitulation of the interview and a review of the role and influence that entertainers have played in the cult. (This is a partially edited version of an article that appeared in the December 7, 2023 issue of Shukan Shincho. The ages, positions, etc. in the text are as of 2023) ***
