In 1996, Nobuko Nobuhira, a former Soka Gakkai member, accused Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda of sexually assaulting her three times over an 18-year period. Nobuhira wrote articles for various Japanese publications detailing these accusations, while at the same time, holding news conferences to relay her allegations to all.
In June 1996, Nobuhira, and her husband Junko, filed a civil lawsuit against Mr. Ikeda, seeking approximately $750,000 in damages.
Over the next several years, the Nobuhiras would lose the initial suit and subsequent appeals, including the final appeal dismissed in 2001.
This case also spilled over into Japanese domestic politics with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) using the Nobuhira case to attack Mr. Ikeda. Once it became clear that the allegations against Mr. Ikeda were without foundation, and after an official Letter of Protest from the Soka Gakkai, the LDP made a public apology acknowledging the “ … inappropriateness of having in effect cooperated in the spreading of falsehoods.”
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It should also be noted that while all of this was taking place, the Nobuhiras were being sued, by several fellow Soka Gakkai members, for non-repayment of loans made to the Nobuhiras totaling between $425,000 and $485,000.
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| 1996 |
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Feb. 22 |
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Nobuko Nobuhira writes and article accusing SGI President Daisaku Ikeda of attacking and raping her three times over an 18-year period.
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June |
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Nobuko Nobuhira and her husband, Junko, file a civil suit against Mr. Ikeda.
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Sept. |
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Civil suit goes to trial.
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| 2000 |
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May 30 |
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The Tokyo District Court dismissed the Nobuhiras claims against Mr. Ikeda.
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| 2001 |
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Jan. 31 |
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The Tokyo High Court upholds the Tokyo District Court ruling. |
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June 26 |
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The Supreme Court of Japan dismisses the final appeal of the Nobuhiras.
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