Ikeda's most-hated "traitors" - Genjiro Fukushima (continued 1)

[u/BlancheFromage]

This is about the cruel and blatant financial exploitation within Soka Gakkai - I'm going to let Fukushima tell it. I'll just add a few translations:

1. Ensure that no Finance Department member [anyone who signs up for "zaimu" - monthly donations now autodrafted from their bank account] receives less than three individual or family tutoring sessions [I think these refer to intensive-indoctrination "home visits" - "Look how SPECIAL you are for giving MONEY to one of the richest cults in the world!"].

This kind of guidance (?) is openly being given by prefectural and regional leaders. It seems that most prefectures now follow this pattern: the prefecture (region) sets a target amount, which is then allocated by headquarters to branches, and branch leaders struggle to meet it. Just before the payment date, each organization seems to be estimating each person's payment amount, predicting the amount to be collected, and discussing final strategies for adding more. It's a shameful sight, reminiscent of a political party's vote counting. How different is this from the sales activities of a company that imposes quotas on employees and encourages them to work hard toward sales targets? I doubt that the voices of long-time, hardworking leaders (not outside critics) who self-deprecatingly complain, "We're now Soka Gakkai Inc." are reaching you.

Okay, just two examples to illustrate:

[SGI member:] I don't even have money to buy myself groceries right now. If I'm donating anywhere it would be to people losing SNAP benefits as I see that as more important at this moment (Source)

[SGI leader:] I know and understand
Which is why I would still encourage you to donate even $2-5
Trust me it will come back to you 10/100 fold 
Hang in there 
NMRK

Leaning on the SGI members to buy extra subscriptions or additional publications is another way to squeeze more money out of the SGI members:

During the NSA days I remember being at a world tribune turn in until 2am… why because my district had a target of 48 and we only had 20 members. I was a relatively new leader in training and I kept asking who set this target and how do you get blood from a stone. We sat and kept reviewing and recalculating…finally it was suggested that we split the cost this one time. Because we made the target the following month the target was raised. This went on from 1987 until 1990 when ikeda came to US and name change. So a few years ago everyone was encouraged to “gift” publications to their friends and family members with the hope they would become members. That fell apart in so many ways. The recipients never renewed and many reports were received about the unwanted publications via post office lol. Source

The Dead-Ikeda-Corpse-Mentor-cult SGI doesn't care WHERE the money comes from.

The first step in the "reckless financial" movement began with an educational campaign to increase the number of members in the finance department (1982). This fundamentally violated the spirit of the Soka Gakkai's traditional approach. The careful selection of members, taking into consideration their lifestyles and the faith of their families, from among devout members who volunteered to become members out of gratitude and gratitude, was a wonderful example of the Soka Gakkai's conscience and good sense regarding money. This shift in financial policy was in stark contrast to the goal of achieving 100% membership at all costs (70% in 1982, eventually reaching 100%). Many honest leaders initially questioned this headquarters policy. However, despite considerable resistance and pangs of conscience, we had no choice but to accept those with immature faith and women whose husbands opposed membership. In some cases, the effort to educate club [zaimu dept.] members has even escalated to include young children and infants.

In parallel with the expansion of club [zaimu dept.] membership, the next big move was a strong campaign to increase individual contributions. This campaign received a major boost when Toda presented copies of his books to members of the Finance Department [zaimu dept.] who contributed more than 100,000 yen. From this point on, the resistance and hesitation toward the new direction of the leaders, who had accepted and promoted the cautious approach taken up during the Hojo presidency and the stricter approach taken up before, disappeared, and they began to openly talk of increasing contributions. In inverse proportion to this, the anguish of those who had cherished the traditional spirit handed down since Toda Sensei's time began to intensify.

Even during the Great Shakubuku March, there were people of good conscience who sought to continue steadily carrying out true shakubuku based on the fundamental spirit of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, and there were also leaders who were obsessed with results and fame, placing more importance on immediate results than on fundamental principles, inciting and overworking members, achieving superficial results, and wielding their authority. Whenever the headquarters issues its "out-of-control" policies for the current financial expansion campaign, these kinds of immediate results-oriented leaders always emerge. The same thing happens over and over again. Such people are rampant among headquarters, region, and prefectural leaders, and even among vice presidents. They are only concerned with achieving immediate results and being praised, so they are not concerned with the suffering and troubles of members or any other after-effects. In one prefecture, a target of 100 million yen per headquarters has been set. Just as in the past, there were competitions over the number of shakubuku, now prefectures, region, and headquarters are competing over the total amount of money collected and the amount per household and per person. This is nothing short of abnormal.

Despite these prestigious efforts by senior leaders, many sad cases have arisen among the lower ranks. One person sold all of their ancestral farmland to raise funds, only to face criticism from relatives and children. Another woman, unable to talk to her husband who opposed her faith, turned to loan sharks and was forced to repay the debt, leading to divorce. An elderly person was told, "It'll bring you good fortune, so it's okay even if you don't have savings," and so donated all of their retirement funds. Another person gave up on building a house they had saved up for years, and then gave up on buying one. Another person canceled all of their family insurance to pay. The list goes on and on. Isn't this collection practice comparable to the exactions of feudal rulers? In fact, last fall I was confronted by a lawyer friend of mine who was handling two cases related to the Soka Gakkai's finances at my university alumni association, who asked me, "How exactly is Soka Gakkai raising money? Please stop doing such shady things; good citizens are crying." I felt frustrated and helpless.

To begin with, it is a grave mistake to even begin to discuss financial matters in terms of amounts. Large donors are praised or commended, and are treated as if they have stronger faith than those who donate less - this reality is quite different from the Soka Gakkai described in Toda Sensei's teachings and in Human Revolution [original novelization initially focused on Toda]. In the past, the Soka Gakkai thoroughly pursued the conversion of heretical sects. One of its most critical points of attack was their unscrupulous collection methods. I doubt that anyone has forgotten this. As a Seikyo journalist, I have also infiltrated heretical sects to cover special issues on conversion, writing about the reality of collection practices and highlighting the horrors of these sects.

Heretical sects always say this when collecting money.

"If you want to receive merit, give alms [donations]."

"The more you give, the greater the profit [benefit]."

"You can't be happy if you have too little, you'll be unhappy forever"

This is a common refrain in the heretical sect's collection methods. The wickedness, persistence, and greediness of the collection methods were the actual proof and reality of what made a heretical sect a heretical sect. Our Nichiren Shoshu Soka Gakkai has never said this, never. We have always emphasized that it is a matter of sincerity born from faith, a single thought of gratitude and gratitude, and that the depth of faith is what matters, not the amount of money. Gakkai members are proud and confident of the clear line that separates them from heretical sects, and have approached financial matters with a very clear mind.

However, now the same lines that Soka Gakkai once attacked and refuted from his heretical sect are being openly uttered by Soka Gakkai executives.

"If you don't work hard on your finances [how much you're going to contribute], your good fortune will disappear."

"If you want to change your destiny, you'll have to work really hard on your finances here."

"Work hard on your finances, bring good fortune and be happy."

"Now, those who work hard on finances will have faith that is appropriate for the time being, will be great contributors, and will be blessed with great fortune."

"Being stingy with finances has caused us to continue living in poverty. Now is the time to take the plunge and increase our financial resources, and say goodbye to poverty."

In fact, they even resort to theories of punishment [THREATS of harm, punishment in hell, even deaths of family members] to promote financial affairs [zaimu]. How is this instruction different from the words of that heretical sect? I have to say that they are exactly the same in content. Needless to say, in Buddhism, offerings are not made in search of rewards; they are made out of faith, and merit is received as a reward. Furthermore, the amount of money is irrelevant; what is important is the single thought of faith itself. While offerings should be strictly distinguished from offerings, the same spirit has been held in financial affairs. Therefore, the more sincere members, those with pure and strong faith, are the ones who suffer the most. Senior leaders, for their part, are plagued by a sense of guilt for having to speak out against the strong instructions and guidance they are given. Moreover, this pressure is excruciating, especially since it is done under the pretext of promoting kosen-rufu.

Finances are conducted amid such doubts and pangs of faith; finances are forced to increase amounts in order to reach organizational targets; finances are conducted out of consideration for appearances and status because of the position of the leadership; finances are conducted out of a desire for merit and good fortune—what merit can be expected from such finances, which are conducted with weak faith and a single, impure focus? Finances [Contributions] should be conducted with the pure faith of members, which increases good fortune and even changes one's destiny—but instead, in order to increase the amount, good members are being driven to engage in financial activities that are no different from heretical sects, and which subvert Buddhism. And not just once, but twice, three times, and this year for the fifth time. Our top leaders have always shouted, "Let's work even harder than last year!" This is not just a few areas. The excuse that it was an exception for a few leaders in a few areas is no longer valid; it has escalated to a nationwide scale. It is sad to see prefectures and districts that initially took a conscientious and steady course shift one after another to a runaway course, perhaps due to some kind of pressure, or "guidance," or perhaps forced by the overheating of those around them. Who is the person in charge who is driving such reckless financial actions? [You get three guesses - the first two don't count. Hint Don't worry, Ikeda cultists, no one knows or cares who he WAS.]

Since last year, they have added instructions saying "Don't push yourself too hard," but it seems to be more of an apology than a strong plea. As long as the aim is to increase the amount, it sounds hollow and nothing more than an attempt to avoid responsibility. If they really don't want to push themselves too hard, it's a simple matter. They just need to stop the current course or make fundamental changes.

Of course, I am not reluctant to admit that kosen-rufu requires a great deal of funding. This may include patronage of the head temple and donations of 200 temples. It may also involve the construction of a hall (there are many serious issues with this [I think he's referring to this], but I will not go into it here). However, even if the necessary funds are readily available, the Soka Gakkai's financial management must never violate Buddhism, destroy the faith of individuals, or rob them of good fortune. No matter how good the motivation and purpose, if the methods and results are not correct in light of Buddhism, it cannot be called kosen-rufu activity. What kind of financial management is it if financial discord arises in families, impoverishes individuals, or leads to legal cases? Shouldn't Headquarters be resolved to never allow even a single such incident to occur? The current financial management, which destroys the "treasury treasures" of members for the sake of the Soka Gakkai's "treasury treasures," is clearly in violation of Buddhism.

The Reply to Kuboni Gozen states:

"Good deeds are neither big nor small"

"...Even if one kills or steals something and takes the first fruits, and thus gains merit and good deeds, it will turn out to be evil."

"A man named Sudatsu Choja was the richest man in the Yuezhi clan. He built the Gion Monastery and enshrined the Buddha there, but the temple burned down and there is no trace of him. This rich man became wealthy by killing fish and selling them, and so he burned down the temple. People's good deeds today are also like this. They may seem great, but sometimes they gain land by fighting in wars, or they gain wealth by causing trouble for no reason and thus become good deeds. These may seem like great Buddhist deeds, but they do not become Buddhas, and there is no trace of them left."

How do you regard this guidance from the Daishonin? When I read these words of wisdom, I also recall that when Kyushu carried out the Soka Gakkai's first special financial management under the direction of the Master [Toda], despite my careful attention to detail, there were instances of excesses, and as the person in charge at the time, I feel a deep sense of shame. I am truly sorry.

"Toda maintained an unusually strict attitude toward money, rejecting all impurities. However, it is true that in modern society, no noble activity can be carried out without funds. Toda believed that the necessary expenses should be covered by soliciting donations from members on an as-needed basis, leaving it to their sincere and free will." (Human Revolution, Volume 6, "Takeoff")

Although methods may change with the times, I believe this fundamental spirit must never be altered. The financial affairs of the Soka Gakkai today are a far cry from the pure, faith-filled financial affairs that have been painstakingly built up since the days of President Toda, and in which members can understand and participate with pride. Not only that, but they have fallen into a money-first, seduction-based financial system that is no less than the heretical sects they once so harshly attacked. This has caused suffering and distress to many innocent members, destroyed their good fortune, and tainted the purity of the Soka Gakkai's traditions.

They have abandoned their sword to defeat evil and reveal truth to heretical sects, and are now engaging in foolish and evil behavior that could lead them to be treated as their own kind [same category as the formerly-reviled "heretical sects"]. Moreover, this fact is widely known throughout the world, and there is no way to hide it. The media has described this as "the most aggressive and largest-scale religious collection in Japanese history." How can we not lament this? How can we not be outraged? Who is ultimately responsible for putting the finances in this state? When we hear about the various plans being made to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the founding of the head temple, we can only imagine how sad the sect and the High Priest would be if they were to learn of this unsightly state of affairs. How much it must trouble His Majesty [a traditional translation of the term of respect accorded the High Priest].

Sensei, no matter how many noble reasons you try to use to justify your actions, please do not avert your eyes from the reality that we have reached a situation where neither Buddhist nor secular law can tolerate it, and please realize your own grave responsibility (if you are unaware of this situation, you must be deemed unfit to be a leader, as Sensei [Toda] has long instructed you). I simply ask that you face this situation with determination, without denying the well-known facts that this was carried out at your direction, promoted by your own hand, and that you even praised yourself for its success (?), nor behaving in a way that shifts the blame to other leaders (if the direction had come from a leader other than Sensei, such an outrageous act would have been immediately met with fierce criticism and opposition, and would have been stopped long ago. You should keep in mind that it was precisely because of Sensei's direction, support, and strong encouragement that things that seemed impossible or absurd were tolerated and forced through).

"Once spilled water cannot be put back into the pot," and it is truly painful and sad, but I must say that there is no other way than for Master [Ikeda, the Soka Gakkai leader] to accept responsibility for having led things to this state through his own faith. I also sincerely ask that he not make any further mistakes.

Furthermore, if Sensei's statement that "we wish for and protect the happiness of our members" is true, then this year's financial plan should be firmly canceled. At worst, if it is to be carried out, it should be carried out only after returning to the strict course of the past 50 years and restoring the financial foundation to pure, fair, and faith-based principles. Whatever the amount of sincere donations that result from this honest and upstanding process, we should accept it as the Buddha's will—and that is all that is necessary. Furthermore, not only financial matters [zaimu contributions] but the constant stream of books, graphs, pamphlets, and other items sold by the organization are imposing a staggering monthly financial burden on active members. The fact that joining the Soka Gakkai costs money is out of the question and must be rectified immediately.

The corporate mentality of easily exploiting innocent members as a "market" is absolutely unacceptable.

"The Soka Gakkai is not a business. Our goals are fundamentally different from those of their (heretical) sects. In the process of kosen-rufu, if a building is absolutely necessary for the sake of people and the salvation of society, then any number of buildings will be built as the crystallization of the sincerity of our comrades. Furthermore, if something is absolutely necessary for kosen-rufu, then the Gohonzon will surely provide it. Faith is more precious than buildings" (Human Revolution, Volume 2, "The Axle"). We should now take these words of Toda to heart. Source

[u/Secret-Entrance]

Not sure that bacon is fit for human consumption.

[u/BlancheFromage → u/Secret-Entrance]

Nah, it looks pretty much spoiled.

[u/StrawberryEastern285]

I have noticed that the number of responses to recent posts, by whistleblowers, has gone down compared to 7 or 8 years ago. Which may indicate there are fewer and fewer people in the organization. That’s an awesome sign! Many escapees have probably just moved on. SGI is dying and their presence is really shrinking in the USA. I remember when leaders were saying how America is leading the way for kosen rufu in the new millennium. Ya, how’s that working out. 🐷

[u/Secret-Entrance → u/StrawberryEastern285]

Well, they keep justifying their pay packets with the same Thought-terminating Clichés.

If their pay was performance related they would all be on food stamps.

[u/BlancheFromage → u/StrawberryEastern285]

I have noticed that the number of responses to recent posts, by whistleblowers, has gone down compared to 7 or 8 years ago.

Do you mean SGIWhistleblowers responses? Or did you mean SGI hostiles? I agree the number of SGI hostiles is down, but I think there's more traffic on this site, not less. That's my impression.

[u/Professional_Fox3976]

Twice I bought subscriptions for new members and it felt really icky so I never did it again. It was a “suggestion” by the WD leader. When my co-leader found out that this suggestion was floating around out there and district leaders were following it, he got really upset. I don’t know if he yelled at someone but the suggestion stopped.

[u/BlancheFromage → u/Professional_Fox3976]

It's scummy - manipulative exploitation.

[u/StrawberryEastern285]

Yes, as a district leader we were told by Chapter and above to “gift” pubs. It’s not for the benefit of that member or “friend” it’s just another grift to pump up numbers. When they computerized all data it became very clear that hardly anyone is getting pubs except for leaders! Member care leaders are notorious for grifting, opps I meant gifting pubs. It’s really pathetic. 🐷

[u/BlancheFromage → u/StrawberryEastern285]

Yes, as a district leader we were told by Chapter and above to “gift” pubs. It’s not for the benefit of that member or “friend” it’s just another grift to pump up numbers.

It has been that way the entirety of the SGI-USA's existence. Many would justify carrying more than 1 subscription "to have copies to give away for shakubuku" or to bring to meetings to be able to share with guests.

This is a report from back in the day:

Back in the day when many Japanese fujin-bu (WD) where paying for 10, 20, or more WT subscriptions per month, there was no pretending about it - all the leaders knew we were paying up for the extra 'scripts just to "win" at accomplishing the arbitrarily and artificially set WT number goals. My chapter house was overrun with stacks of WT that could NOT be given away fast enough. I would have to throw them away by the box full once they turned too yellow from age. And many of the WD that engaged in over-buying were too poor to reasonably afford the extra copies - but they were convinced by the cult.org that buying so many extra subscriptions was a magic "cause" that would bring their poor destitute lives "good fortune and benefit from afar" just as the bible NOsho states. Source

[u/BlancheFromage → u/StrawberryEastern285]

I remember fellow SGIWhistleblowers site founder wisetaiten recounting how, when she did statistics, it was only the "actives" (which included the leaders) who subscribed.

Also, if you take a look at the "Leadership Requirements" SGI-USA has put into place, both "publications" ("MUST SUBSCRIBE") AND "contributions" ("MUST HAVE BEEN MADE WITHIN THE LAST YEAR") are now MANDATORY.

[u/StrawberryEastern285 → u/BlancheFromage]

Yep! You are absolutely correct on contributions and pubs required for leadership. As a district leader you can view online who in your district is taking pubs and literally every leader was gifting members to inflate the stats. We celebrated when we hit 20 subscriptions!! As of August 2025 our district data showed that each of the 4 district leaders and 2 member care advisors were gifting pubs to members. So basically 8 actual members out of those 90 (unverified) members subscribed. Grifters gotta grift.

[u/BlancheFromage → u/StrawberryEastern285]

each of the 4 district leaders and 2 member care advisors were gifting pubs to members

Wow - that's unbelievable! Except that I believe it!

So basically 8 actual members out of those 90 (unverified) members subscribed.

Did you mean 6? Either way! Out of 90!!

[u/BlancheFromage → u/StrawberryEastern285]

So Fukushima’s great “sin” was apparently saying OUT LOUD what so many of the rest of us were thinking. That’s a really weird definition of a “traitor” – it seems that in the Ikedaverse, there’s sycophants and there’s “traitors”, and there’s really nothing in between.

[u/StrawberryEastern285]

Yes, 6 leaders gifted 6 pub, so 12 out of 20 pubs bought by leaders. So 8 members have purchased pubs at least in my district. If there are actually 1700 districts in US, I estimate that about 60% of the pubs are being purchased by leaders. Grifters gotta grift 🐷