“I believe Kaneko’s story will inspire us all, showing that even in the toughest times, there’s always hope.”
YTM Dato’ Seri Diraja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah, said this in her speech officiating the launch of Kisah Kaneko: Perbualan dengan Kaneko Ikeda on 6 April.

She pointed out that Mrs Kaneko Ikeda’s extraordinary life is a portrait of resilience, hope and unwavering dedication to peace.

Looking at her life, we can see she is truly a role model for contemporary women, and an example for women who will appear on the stage of the 21st century.

Mrs Ikeda and SGI president Daisaku Ikeda married on 3 May 1952. They promised each other that they will strive for society and the happiness of humanity; no matter how harsh and torturous the road of life would be, they will strive towards their goal, advancing hand-in-hand.

At the time of President Ikeda’s passing on 15 November 2023,the couple had spent 71 storm-filled, turbulent years together. They deeply loved each other, kept their promises to each other and never wavered in their determination.

When he was young, President Ikeda had a weak constitution and suffered from tuberculosis. Doctors told him he would not live to 30.

Due to this, Mrs Ikeda took great care of his nutrition, ensuring that he had balanced meals and sought ways to enable him to regain his health.

She said, “I felt that the most important task I could perform for my husband was to support him quietly from the background so he could devote himself to his work wholeheartedly and in good health.”

On 3 May 1960, President Ikeda became third Soka Gakkai president. Mrs Ikeda called that day a “funeral for the Ikeda family.” Because she deeply realised that from that day on, President Ikeda would have to dedicate his entire life to the great endeavour of worldwide kosen-rufu. Not only would he have a heavy workload, he would also have to contend with the attacks of the three

But she had made up her mind, remaining unfazed no matter what struck. She accompanied President Ikeda through life’s ups and downs, through the crashing waves, always carrying a smile.

President Ikeda said this of Mrs Ikeda: “My wife is my life companion, and, at times, my nurse, my secretary, my mother, daughter or younger sister. But most of all, she is my comrade-in-arms.” He further stated: “My marriage to my wife has brought me the most happiness in my life.”

To her children, Mrs Ikeda embodies virtue and wisdom. Her eldest son Hiromasa wrote: “I love my mother and the way she lives: sincerely, honestly, embracing her mission in life with integrity. I see her as an ordinary woman who exemplifies greatness….I see her as a woman whom no hardship can defeat. She stands firm in the face of every storm; she forges ahead with strength and courage.”

“Her perennial smile, no matter what the situation, is what I remember. How profound the convictions must lie behind her smile; how powerful the hope she must hold in her heart.”

Mrs Kaneko Ikeda is a great, compassionate woman. She has established a noble example for us in all aspects, whether in faith, family or caring for her husband and children. Prof Jia Huixuan, former 
vice-director of the Centre of Japanese Studies at Peking University, said Mrs Ikeda is like the pure white lily that blooms resplendently amid the mundane, which is a fitting accolade for her.

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