May 3, 1970Komeito Autonomy Finalized
In response to criticism of the relationship between the Komeito and Soka Gakkai, Ikeda announced initiatives to further reinforce the autonomy of the political party. Komeito members, for instance, were disallowed from holding leadership positions within the Soka Gakkai and vice versa. Other steps were taken to ensure Komeito's independence in terms of its policy and personnel decision-making, as well as its finances. Although detractors continue to question the relationship, its constitutionality has been repeatedly validated by the Japanese government since the 1970s.
[See also: "Founding the Komei Party" in PROFILE]