Nichiren Shōshū Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of the monk Nichiren Daishonin, emerged in Japan as a distinct school of thought centered around a profound interpretation of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren, who lived during the tumultuous Kamakura period, advocated for the recitation of 'Nam Myōhō Renge Kyō' as a transformative spiritual practice. His advocacy arose from a context of political and social strife in medieval Japan, where various Buddhist sects contended for influence and lay followers. In 1279, the formal establishment of the Nichiren Shōshū sect was a pivotal moment that not only asserted the validity of Nichiren's teachings but also offered an antidote to suffering during a time marked by natural disasters and upheaval. The sect posited direct access to enlightenment through individual and collective devotion to the Lotus Sutra.Nichiren Shōshū's establishment led to the development of a cohesive community dedicated to these practices. This community focused on lay participation, drawing in followers who were previously marginalized within other Buddhist traditions. The sect also came to be known for its resolve in facing persecution from rival sects, particularly during the height of its establishment, reflecting Nichiren's teachings about the need for steadfastness in one’s beliefs. The temple system established around Nichiren's teachings helped to safeguard and spread these newly articulated beliefs.Over the next several centuries, Nichiren Shōshū would grow to have extensive influence across Japan. It emphasized not only a personal spiritual journey but also a social responsibility to engage with and uplift the community. The sect’s focus on the Lotus Sutra became a significant element of Japanese spiritual life, merging devotional practices with activism, which would eventually inspire various social movements within Japan and beyond. The foundations originally laid down continued to resonate in contemporary forms of Buddhism.