Initiated into priesthood by Nichiju at the age of five Nichiken (Jakushoin) was an elder disciple to Nichion.
At 32, Nichion became chief abbot of the Kuonji Temple. Founded the Honenji Temple at Ono and lived in the Hommonji Temple at Ikegami near Edo. With Nicmju and Nikkan, he settled a serious doctrinal dispute in the sect.