Exchange Student Program The Soka University is presently engaged in academic exchange agreement
with 96 universities in the world. In the Philippines, U.P . had entered
into this agreement with the Soka University in 1988, and De La Sale in
1996. Every year, two exchange students from each university are dispatched.
Aside from that, because this is the only English speaking country in
Asia, many Soka University students came here to study at their own expense.
Furthermore, short term language training program is launched in Kalayan
College where Dr. Abueva, a friend of President Ikeda, serves as principal.
File 012: July 2007
Yuichi Murata
(Alumnus of Soka University)
My name is Yuichi Murata. I took up Economics and graduated from Soka University
in 2004. I am presently working at the hotel in Manila and this is already
my 3rd year in the company.
This is my second time to be here in the Philippines. The first time was in July to September 2003 as one of the first student group sent to Kalayaan College in Marikina City, which was founded by the former president of the University of the Philippines, Dr. Jose V. Abueva.
School Days in Soka University
with Dr.Abueva Faculties and Classmates
During my days in the university, I eagerly studied English because Ikeda-sensei encouraged us to master at least one foreign language at our entrance ceremony. But I had never gone abroad until the first semester of my 4th year. At that time, I still have not mastered English at all.
One day, I told Professor Kita who was my seminar professor that I really wanted to go abroad. Then Professor Kita recommended me to go to Kalayaan College in the Philippines. There were a total of 8 members who have gathered and this group became the first batch to go to Kalayaan College as exchange students. We studied there for only one and a half month. Nevertheless, we had a great time and made precious memories during our stay through the experience of attending local SGI meetings and also spending time with the students in that college. Through that experience, I was determined to come back to the Philippines.
After I went back home to Japan, I was still thinking of how I can come back to the Philippines. Then one day, Ikeda-sensei gave us a guidance that Soka University students must go abroad to promote world peace. So I asked myself, “When will I go abroad, after 10 years from now? Or 30 years later? I told myself that I should go now because I have only this lifetime to live.”
Then I decided to come back to the Philippines after graduating from the university. On March 30, 2004 I finally arrived back in Manila.
Unforgettable Memories
with my superiors
with my colleagues
After I came back to Manila, I studied English at an English institute for 3 months. After finishing my one and a half month course, I decided to look for a job in order for me to devote myself for the cause of Philippines Kosen-rufu. Then I started to chant daimoku for 3 hours a day.
One day, I went to University of the Philippines to visit an exchange student from Soka University. There I found a small piece of paper at the entrance of the dormitory where they stayed.
It indicated “Wanted: Japanese staff in a hotel” in the paper. I immediately called up the contact person to get detailed information. He referred me to a Japanese Manager of one of the 5 star hotels in Manila. Then I submitted my resume.
I finally got the result after 3 weeks since I finished the interview, but unfortunately I did not pass. I almost gave up and got very disheartened.
That time, my 2 Japanese seniors who live in the Philippines so long already looked after me even daily meals and accommodation, and kept encouraging me not to give up.
My struggle in looking for a job came to me again and I chanted as much as I could even while I am walking on the street or inside a jeepney.
After few days, a Japanese Manager of the hotel called me up and told me
that there is a vacancy at the hotel in Manila. I immediately submitted
my resume and had an interview the following day. After 2 interviews, I
was finally hired at the hotel. Surprisingly, I got better offers compared
to the first hotel I applied to before.
I immediately reported the result to Ikeda-sensei then Sensei responded by sending a message to congratulate me.
During my struggle in job hunting, I always kept thinking one of the Gosho
passage that says, “I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become,
the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect
all of you,
praying as earnestly as through to produce fire from damp wood,
or to obtain water from parched ground. (WND1 p444)”
That first 3 months became an unforgettable memory for me in starting my
life here in the Philippines.
My Determination
with YMD members
Now 3 years have already passed since my first visit to the Philippines and it is kind of hard to manage my time with my work schedule and Gakkai activities, but then again, I am really spending my life meaningfully and with great joy and I was able to gain many valuable experiences along the way.
Thankfully, I have a place to fight for Kosen-rufu as a member of the YMD and Sokahan with my treasured fellow members in Cavite Chapter, Soka-Han and all the other members.
To repay my debt of gratitude to the Philippines, I will be a capable person and work for the sake of the happiness of members and the development of SGI Philippines as a disciple of Ikeda-sensei.
Furthermore, it is my determination throughout my life that I will establish a Soka kindergarten here and welcome Ikeda-sensei back to the Philippines someday.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ikeda-sensei and all the members.
Gawin natin ang Iahat ng ating makakaya para sa Philippine Kosen-rufu !!
Maraming-maraming salamat po!
