Soka University of America: Shaping Global Citizens and Leaders
Soka University of America (SUA), a private liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, California, distinguishes itself through its commitment to pacifism, human rights, and the creative coexistence of nature and humanity. Founded in 2001 by Daisaku Ikeda, president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), SUA aims to foster global citizens equipped to contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world. This article explores various facets of SUA, including its history, academic programs, notable alumni, and contributions to peace and human rights.
A Foundation Rooted in Peace and Human Rights
The origins of SUA trace back to 1987 when it was established as a not-for-profit organization in California, initially named Soka University of Los Angeles (SULA). The university began as a small ESL (English as a Second Language) school at the Calabasas campus, enrolling just under 100 students. In 1995, SUA acquired a 103-acre site in Aliso Viejo for a private non-profit four-year liberal arts college, and built a $265-million campus. The Aliso Viejo campus opened on May 3, 2001, with a freshman class of 120 students from 18 countries and 18 states.
Daisaku Ikeda's vision for SUA is deeply rooted in his experiences during World War II and his commitment to peace. He emphasized the importance of fostering global citizens who can contribute to the happiness of each individual.
Academic Rigor and Interdisciplinary Approach
SUA offers a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with emphasis areas in Environmental Studies, Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, International Studies, or Life Sciences. The university distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary approach, forgoing traditional discipline-based departments. This encourages students to explore connections between different fields of study and develop a holistic understanding of complex issues.
All undergraduate students at Soka University of America must study a non-native language. The languages offered are Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese.
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Notable Alumni: Champions in Various Fields
Soka University has produced alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, sports, and the arts. Here are some notable examples:
Yasuhiro Ogawa: A professional Japanese baseball player, currently a pitcher for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Seigi Tanaka: A Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Hidekazu Nagai: A comedian and an owarai presenter in Japan.
Shūta Ishikawa: A Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Chiba Lotte Marines.
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Eiichi Koyano: A Japanese former professional baseball player (infielder) and currently the hitting coach for the Hanshin Tigers.
Makoto Kadowaki: A professional Japanese baseball player who plays infielder for the Yomiuri Giants.
Kiyohiko Toyama: A former Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, who served as a member of the House of Councillors.
Takahide Ikeda: A Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Sayaka Sasaki: A Japanese politician who is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan.
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Mitsunari Okamoto: A Japanese politician from Komeito who represents Tokyo's 29th district in the House of Representatives.
Toshiko Takeya: A Japanese Senator from Tokyo and a member of Kōmeitō ("Justice Party").
Kazuo Kitagawa: A retired Japanese politician who served as the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Yōsuke Takagi: A Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives as a member of the New Komeito Party.
Hirotaka Ishikawa: A Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Councillors of Japan since 2010.
Michiyo Takagi: A Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives as a member of the New Komeito Party.
Yutaka Otsuka: A Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Yoshinori Ōguchi: A former Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives.
Hisatake Sugi: A Japanese politician and a member of the House of Councillors of Japan.
Craig Taro Gold: An American author, entertainer, singer-songwriter, and entrepreneur.
Keigo Masuya: A Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, a member of the House of Representatives.
Kiyohiro Araki: A Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, a member of the House of Councillors.
Sun Qingye: The deputy head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the CPG in the HKSAR.
Shuhei Takada: A Japanese left-handed pitcher for the Shinano Grandserows.
Kazufumi Taniguchi: A Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives as a member of the New Komeito Party.
Promoting Dialogue and Understanding
SUA actively promotes dialogue and understanding through various initiatives. The REHR Center, founded in 2020, builds on a tradition at SUA to engage in inquiry, research, and constructive dialogue related to race, ethnicity, human rights, and their intersections.
SUA has hosted numerous distinguished guests who have shared their insights on peace, human rights, and social justice. These include:
Rosa Parks: The mother of the American civil rights movement, who visited the Calabasas campus for a panel discussion and engaged in a dialogue with Daisaku Ikeda.
Coretta Scott King: A civil rights leader and the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., who gave a lecture titled “The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.”
Shirley Chisholm: An American politician who represented New York’s 12th congressional district, who delivered an address titled “Women Challenging the Status in Politics.”
José Manuel Ramos-Horta: An East Timorese politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who spoke about conflict resolution through dialogue.
Betty Williams: A Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her work against violence in Northern Ireland, who presented a lecture titled “Peace in the World Is Everybody’s Business.”
Damodar R. SarDesai: Emeritus professor of history at UCLA, who addressed the SUA community on the importance of unity between India and Pakistan.
Kevin Clements: Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago in New Zealand, who gave a lecture titled “The Costs of Violence and the Benefits of Building a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence.”
Hortense J. Spillers & Nahum D. Chandler: Professors who engaged in a dialogue after a Louis Massiah documentary screening on W.E.B. Du Bois.
Soka Education: A Transformative Experience
SUA emphasizes the importance of fostering a transformative educational experience. As Professor Emerita of Sociology Gail Thomas notes, Soka education encourages students to look inward, understand themselves, and strive to contribute to the world. The university's mission is to inspire students to become global citizens who champion peace, human rights, and sustainability.
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