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Kaneko's Story a Conversation with Kaneko Ikeda

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The story of a young girl named Kane Shiraki. She met her destiny when she encountered Daisaku Ikeda,who later became the 3rd president of Soka Gakkai. Kane shiraki married him in 1952, changing her name to kandko Ikeda. This book provides a glimpse of the surprising power of this reserved woman, from her childhood in Ota Ward, Tokyo, throughoutugh the ravages of World War II, and finally to her roles as a wife and mother.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

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kaneko ikeda

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5 stars
71 (64%)
4 stars
24 (21%)
3 stars
9 (8%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
8 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2016
Life of Mrs. Ikeda started at a simple household with traditional Japanese values. The book is a peek into her life as a child who was brought up in war torn Japan (World War 2), the values that she imbibed and passed on to her children,and a woman who supported her family and husband against all odds and stood as a boulder against life's uncertainties and challenges.
She is a living example of how one can accumulate good fortune though all circumstances and be the silent powerhouse that fuels one's own ambitions and provide strength to every one around.
her experiences are life enriching lessons that everyone can adopt.
A great read.
Profile Image for Devika.
141 reviews
March 20, 2016
Any book that evokes an emotion deserves five stars! This is basically an interview of Kaneko Ikeda, along with some inputs from her sons Hiromasa and Takahiro. What I absolutely loved was the relationship between Dr. Ikeda and Kaneko. The foundation that they have built for themselves despite having extremely humble beginnings is incredible.

My favourite anecdote of the two is when a guest visits them and inquires them of the pleasant scent in their living room. Turns out, neither Kaneko nor Dr. Ikeda were wearing any perfume. Moreover, nothing had been sprayed as such. Upon pondering, they both figured that it's the incense that they burn for their morning and evening prayers. Then Dr. Ikeda taps on Kaneko's shoulder and says, "Maybe you should wear some perfume." I found this extremely adorable!

They lost their son when he was only 29. Despite the loss, they never lost their sense of the personal mission- to work for the welfare of others. Even though Kaneko's been mostly in the background, yet in a sense she is the backbone of SGI because she is the pillar that supports Dr. Ikeda.

Highly recommend this to all SGI members- especially all the women.
Profile Image for Monica.
777 reviews
September 4, 2009
Kaneko's childhood was defined by WWII and the traditions of Japanese life. I'm sure Mrs. Ikeda is a wonderful person, but I have to put this on an aborted effort list because, instead of being a light breezy read, it's preventing me from immersing myself in a real book: CHE: A Revolutionary Life. Goodreads has helped me to say no, I don't have to force my way through a book if I don't want to read it. Now I'll see about leaving food on my plate and stopping the Catholic guilt.
2 reviews
Read
April 27, 2012
its just soooooo lovely! empowered me, made me want to grow to become a lovely strong family woman, always being there for the family yet not losing ur own identity. as soon as i read it or even just a paragraph of this book, it fills me with hope, joy and optimism.
Profile Image for Jeyalakshmi Ramasaamy.
2 reviews
February 22, 2019
This book made me travel with Kaneko herself from her small household to the Soka university that the family built. I cannot forget the day I completed the book - a lot of emotions, umpteen thoughts and lot of to-dos on how I should parent my son! I got up next morning to have dreamt of walking with her amidst the sunflowers in the Soka university. That was a different feeling to me altogether.

This book is a dedication to Kaneko from her sons. This very thought itself shows what a mother she is! Right from her humble beginnings to how she set up a family amidst all troubles and how she grew up her sons. Each and every nuance of the book is very relevant to a mother. This is the first book I completed after my son's birth. He is 2 now and I think I read the book at the right time!

I am sure all mothers especially who are into practise should have a copy of this book! Happy reading and happy parenting!
Profile Image for Masha Lagonell.
96 reviews
February 13, 2018
Un poco machista para mi gusto, pero hay que considerar la época y la cultura japonesa. Para estos tiempos yo vería a una Kaneko diferente. Una mujer más liberal como ejemplo para las nuevas generaciones de chicas que no quieren precisamente ser solo la esposa que cuida al hombre y a los hijos. Con más sueños propios y menos "la esposa de xxxxx". A pesar de todo esto que no me cuadra, es un libro conmovedor y un buen ejemplo de vida.
Profile Image for Melissa Cabbage.
176 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2017
Mrs Ikeda's only book but I think it's more than enough to feel her faith and her sincerest encouragement for the reader through this short book. This book does not go into detail of many events, but it does elaborate on the spirit of her compassion and her courage. Mrs Ikeda's life may not as magnificent as her husband's, but her spirit is.
Profile Image for Althea.
244 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2019
Very moving, but I am left wanting to know more.
Profile Image for Roni.
43 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. As a member of SGI I know about Mrs. Ikeda, however now I feel like I know her as a genuine person. I loved the insight to President Ikeda and getting to know their family. I wish I would have read this book years ago.
Profile Image for Nancy.
2 reviews
June 17, 2012
I respect Mrs. Ikeda and all she has done as the wife of one of the most powerful religious leaders in Japan, Daisaku Ikeda. However, as much as I want to give a better review of this book, I can't. I realize that this is a painful subject for her and her family, but I was hoping that her book would mention the untimely death of her son. On October 3rd, 1984, at the young age of 29, Shimohisa Ikeda died in a Tokyo hospital. I am saying this because I came close to losing my younger daughter when she was only three months old after she received heart surgery. I was hoping that she could give encouragement based upon her experience - maybe mention how her family supported one another afterwards. Since she didn't, I felt let down.
5 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2012
The wisdom & guidance shared on womanhood, marriage & parenting is very enriching. Kaneko Ikeda's struggle being a war victim & subsequently as Sensei wife is an yardstick of courage to many woman across the world. Her conviction & unwavering spirit to carry out Kosen Rofu work apart from fulfilling her duties as a wife and mother is beyond comprehension. No amount of challenges could waver her indomitable courage, even when she lost her son she did not give up her faith is absolutely praiseworthy.I completely have benefited reading this.
Profile Image for Liang Weili.
1 review2 followers
February 13, 2013
have read this book in the English and the Mandarin version and I personally prefer the Taiwan translated version as the words they used were understandable and very clear.

many thoughts and impression after reading this book as Mrs Ikeda revealed the details of the family and their daily life and many times I asked myself "would I be able to do the same in her situation?" and the answer is probably no. It is her spirit and her values that has made her such a wonderful role model to follow.

All women should aspire to think the way she did for peace, for the family.
Profile Image for Ash.
24 reviews
March 24, 2015
Inspiring writing by Mrs. Ikeda. Little gems of wisdom shared by her on her life, bringing up three kids, creating effective family environment and supporting the soma organization and Sensei in her own beautiful way!!
Profile Image for Snufkin.
564 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2012
Kaneko is such an inspiration. The honest account of her daily efforts have deeply moved me. Continually striving in the background no matter what. Incredible!!
Profile Image for Kylie Martin.
203 reviews
July 3, 2016
interesting to read about her and their life behind the scenes. also seeing how different their traditional home life is compared to western culture
Profile Image for Samta datta.
3 reviews
October 8, 2024
amongst many other things, i will remember the role of smile in a woman's life
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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