On February 15, 2019, 16 students and two staff from the Tokyo and Kansai Soka Senior High Schools (part of the Soka Gakuen network), accompanied by two staff from Open University Malaysia (OUM), visited Tadika Seri Soka.

The students were in Malaysia for an English-language short course conducted by OUM. Before returning to Japan, they have decided to visit TSS, a Soka educational institute with whom they share the same founder, Daisaku Ikeda. TSS children and staff warmly welcomed the delegation, whose Japanese members were visiting Malaysia for the first time, at its auditorium.

The Gakuen students were first greeted by TSS children who presented them with hand-made garlands. After that, the children performed welcoming dances and sang their lively kindergarten songs to their “big brothers” and “big sisters.”

TSS Principal Madam Lye Loy Hou then gave a welcoming speech, expressing her hope that the students will enjoy their trip to the fullest.

In response to Madam Lye’s heartfelt greeting, Soka Gakuen staff Togawa Tsubasa and a student representative also expressed their gratitude by saying they had a good time during their stay and were looking forward to meeting all the children.

The Soka Gakuen students then performed two dances to interact with the children. The students and children were seen happily enjoying each other’s performances, leaving behind wonderful memories for both parties.

They later exchanged souvenirs to end the welcoming ceremony, following which the Soka Gakuen delegation visited the kindergarten compounds guided by TSS staff.

The exchange between the “siblings” of the Soka education system was one that left behind a wonderful memory of a lifetime.