Premier Kishi's decisive victory over the Socialists (see above) seemed like any other modern, democratic electoral competition. But there were reminders of a more ancient Japan. On election eve a Buddhist priest from Hiroshima, who disagreed with Kishi's foreign policy, used a 5-in. dagger to disembowel himself in ceremonial hara-kiri in front of the Premier's official residence. And there was also something decidedly un-Western about the election of all six candidates nominated by the Soka Gakkai sect.
Freshened Minds. Founded in 1930 by a crusty, quick-tempered high school principal, the sect seeks to...
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