Cofounder Myoko Naganuma was born on December 25, 1889, north of Tokyo. She lived a hard life. She suffered many hardships: her daughter died at the age of two, she divorced her husband, and she endured years of sickness.
Once Rev. Nikkyo Niwano introduced her to the Buddha Way, Rev. Naganuma devoted the rest of her life to the faith. She worked and prayed for the happiness of others.
She was vice president for twenty years of the organization's early days. Her guidance always gave members great strength and hope to face life. As co-founder, she devoted herself to liberating members and being a witness to the Buddha's Teachings (Dharma). Her guidance was a two-fold principle of strictness and kindness. Her followers dearly admired her for that.
In the turmoil of World War II, Cofounder Naganuma devoted herself to the practice of the teachings. She demonstrated the importance of rendering service to others through the bodhisattva way. No matter what the circumstance. She also rescued people suffering from poverty, illnesses, or domestic discord. She guided them all to the Buddha's Way.
Cofounder Naganuma dedicated herself to social service activities. She believed the world would be a better place if everyone extended small acts of kindness to others. During natural disasters, she quickly led Rissho Kosei-kai members into action. They were working to distribute relief supplies to victims in devastated areas. Her deep compassion inspired many members in the organization's early days. Her efforts helped them develop a firm faith.