Nichiko Niwano (庭野日鑛) is the eldest son of Risshō Kōsei Kai founder Nikkyō Niwano, and the current President of Risshō Kōsei Kai.

Early life

Nichiko was born on March 20, 1938, to Nikkyō Niwano and his wife Naoko, just a few weeks after his father had founded Risshō Kōsei Kai. In 1958, Nichiko was enrolled in the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at Rissho University. In 1960, he was named the successor to his father. After Nichiko graduated from the university's Graduate School in 1968, he was appointed head of the Dissemination Department and president of the Risshō Kōsei Kai seminary. In 1967, he married Ayako Kakeba. They have four daughters.

Presidency

In 1960, he was chosen to succeed his father as president. He did so on his father's 85th birthday, November 15, 1991. Since his inauguration, he has overseen the expansion of Risshō Kōsei Kai. He travels to various Risshō Kōsei Kai centers in Japan and other nations, delivering lectures and sermons. He has written several books, including My Father, My Teacher (1989), The Inward Path (1990), and Modern Meditations (1991). He teaches members that they should become aware of the value and wonder of life. He continued his father's legacy of interfaith work and is currently serving as President of the World Conference of Religions for Peace and as Chairman of Shinshuren. He regularly attends interfaith gatherings.

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