Soka Gakkai is a global Buddhist movement that originated in Japan in the 20th century. Its name means “Value-Creation Society” in Japanese. Rooted in the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism, Soka Gakkai places strong emphasis on individual empowerment, inner transformation, and the belief that each person has the potential to overcome suffering and create positive change in their life and society.

At the heart of Soka Gakkai practice is the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, a phrase that expresses devotion to the Lotus Sutra, a key Mahayana Buddhist scripture. Practitioners chant, study Buddhist philosophy, and support each other through local discussion meetings. The aim is to develop wisdom, courage, and compassion in daily life.

The movement was founded in Japan in the 1930s, but it has since grown into an international organisation known as Soka Gakkai International (SGI), with members in over 190 countries, including the UK. SGI encourages peace, education, and cultural exchange, and it actively promotes dialogue across faiths and backgrounds.

Soka Gakkai is known for its focus on peace activism, nuclear disarmament, and human rights. Unlike some traditional forms of Buddhism, it is lay-led, with no ordained clergy, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.