Public Lecture

Co-hosted by the Chuo Academic Research Institute and Gakurin, this symposium commemorates the 120th anniversary of the birth of Founder Niwano Nikkyo.

The symposium will explore how his spirit and vision can be put into practice in today’s world. Through collaboration among religion, academia, and society, we seek to explore ways of building a foundation of trust and peace that transcends division.

The symposium will bring together experts from diverse fields for dialogue on fundamental challenges facing contemporary society, including “Rebuilding Trust in an Age of Division,” “What Does It Mean to Be Human?,” “Our Responsibility to Science, Life, and Future Generations,” and “Can Virtue Be Put into Practice in Society?”

At a time when humanity is confronted with profound and interwoven challenges—war, social division, ethnic conflict, and the climate crisis—distinguished leaders from the fields of religion, peacebuilding, and international cooperation will gather to reflect together on the future of trust, peace, and shared flourishing.

The symposium will also bring together Gakurin seminarians, who will add the voices and aspirations of the next generation, creating a meaningful dialogue across generations.

Carrying forward the spirit of dialogue and coexistence to which Rev. Nikkyo Niwano devoted his life, this symposium will explore new possibilities for cooperation that bridge cultures, religions, and generations.

We warmly invite you to join this international dialogue, where the wisdom of leaders from around the world meets the hope and vision of the next generation.

Gakurin Daiju Program Open Campus 2026

We are pleased to offer special online broadcasts of selected programs from the Gakurin Daiju Program Open Campus, to be held on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The theme of this year’s Open Campus is:
“Engaging with the World, Envisioning the Future”

The world around us is changing at an unprecedented pace, with the rapid development of AI, shifting international affairs, and growing divisions and conflicts within society.

In times like these, we invite you to explore, together with practitioners working on the front lines around the world, the importance of dialogue among people, the role of religion, and practical approaches to building peace.

As an opportunity for anyone to experience a part of Gakurin’s commitment to learning with an open door to the world, we will make selected programs available online, including special lectures, special dialogues, and interfaith discussions.

Gakurin Global Lecture Series: Sikhism

Interfaith Cooperation for Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Peace in the World

We are pleased to host “World Religions: Sikhism—Interfaith Cooperation for Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Peace in the World.”

Two internationally renowned Sikh leaders will join us to share their insights and experiences from the forefront of efforts toward forgiveness, reconciliation, peacebuilding, and interfaith cooperation. Through their perspectives, participants will deepen their understanding of the role of religion in building a more peaceful and reconciled world.

Gakurin Global Lecture Series: Judaism

We are pleased to host a Gakurin Public Lecture featuring Rabbi Elias Szwedsky, an Orthodox Jewish leader who has been actively engaged in interfaith dialogue and cooperation throughout Latin America. Rabbi Szwedsky has worked on a wide range of global issues, including conflict resolution, environmental protection—particularly the preservation of tropical rainforests—and gender equality.

Gakurin Global Lecture Series： Hinduism

We are pleased to welcome Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi. Based in South Africa, she has practiced nonviolence inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy and has worked alongside religious leaders from around the world toward the realization of a peaceful world grounded in justice.

The lecture, “World Religions: Hinduism,” will explore Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolence and its significance for peace and interfaith cooperation in today’s world.

Gakurin Global Lecture Series: Islam

We are pleased to welcome Prof. Din Syamsuddin, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council and a prominent Islamic leader internationally recognized for his work in conflict reconciliation and peacebuilding based on contemporary interpretations of Islam.

The lecture, “World Religions: Islam,” will explore the role of Islam in addressing contemporary global challenges and promoting peace and reconciliation.

Bishop Dr. Renta Nishihara, President of Rikkyo University;“World Religions – Introduction to Christianity”
Part I. “Introduction to Christian Theology”
Part II: “Christianity and the Liberal Arts”