Nichiju -

Background

Nichiju was born in 1314.

Education

He went to Mount Hiei, headquarters of the Tendai Sect, and studied under Priest Jihen.

Career

He became chief priest of the Tokoji Temple in 1371 at Haguro (Yamagata Prefecture), where he happened to read writings of Nichiren and was converted to the Nichiren Sect. Renamed himself Nichiju and, taking with him six disciples, went to Nakayama in Shimoosa Province (Chiba Prefecture) and became a disciple of Nisso. He went to Kyoto in 1381 and presented Emperor Goenyu with his book Chikokusuku (Statesmanship).

Achievements

• He built the Gemmyoji Temple (1384) in Totomi Province (Shizuoka Prefecture). He founder of the Hempon Hokke Sect.