SGI-Hungary was recently registered as an official nonprofitorganization for culture and education. SGI-Hungary Chapter LeaderToshikazu Nakagawa and Women's Leader Eniko Vecsey continue to serve asthe organization's leaders.

The Republic of Hungary, an East European nation, has produced manyartists, such as famous composers Franz Liszt and Béla Bartók andrevolutionary poet Sándor Petöfi. Hungary also has a history of beingdominated by foreign rule. During the Hungarian Revolution in 1956,citizens placed under surveillance by the former Soviet Union stood upfor freedom. Several thousand were sacrificed in the backlash.

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda first visited Hungary in 1964. In 1998,Mr. Ikeda met with then Hungarian Ambassador to Japan Südy Zoltán. Atthe request of the ambassador, the "Dialogue with Nature" photoexhibition was held in the Royal Palace in Budapest in 1999.SGI-Hungary members have steadily developed friendships through hostingcultural events and exhibitions. In recognition of their activities,Társalgó Association, an art and culture organization, awarded itsfirst honorary membership to Mr. Ikeda. The City of Budapest alsopresented him with a medal commemorating the city's 125th anniversary.

Mr. Nakagawa and Ms. Vecsey expressed their determination to continue to work for building peace in their country.

SGI-Hungary members in front of Royal Palace