The Soka Gakkai that Mr. Osaki joined (hoping to discredit it) is much different than the SGI of today. Most of the American members were Japanese war brides. They were miserable, often poor, often abandoned, often with children. They could not drive. They spoke little English. They were trapped by poverty and circumstances in a vast racist nation that hated them and let them know it. They were homesick to the core of their being, but they could not go home. (See "Kazoo's Song") 

When they were introduced to the Gakkai, they met other Japanese women just as miserable as they were, facing the same life challenges. They could talk in Japanese, sing Japanese songs, and share recipes. The best hours of the day were spent doing Gakkai activities. 

One by one they began to experience the benefits of practicing the Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. They shared hope. The Gakkai is the architecture of hope built on a landscape of despair. 

Though he could barely do Gongyo, and he knew virtually nothing about Buddhism (he was an ex-Catholic), they made Ted Osaki a leader. He was articulate. He was smart. He was handsome. He was an officer in the U.S. Army. He was a hero in the eyes of the local Soka Gakkai and his wife. Their love grew deep and strong. 

He was a person that Japanese war brides could bring their husbands to and he would convince them to try the practice. He was perfect for the job. His understanding of Buddhism grew. He came to do the most perfect Gongyo I have ever heard. Even long-time members from Japan would remark "I wish people in Japan could do Gongyo like him." 

With the absolute devotion and support of his wife and Gakkai peers, he became a Buddhist dynamo. 

Daisaku Ikeda was coming to visit America and he was visiting the town that Mr. Osaki lived in. Mr. Osaki went to the airport to meet him. 

I will save that story for another time...