After World War II, Josei Toda was released from Prison. Learning about the death of his mentor Tsunesaburo Makiguchi while imprisoned, he went on to rebuilding the movements of Soka Kyoiku Gakkai renaming it Soka Gakkai becoming its 2nd President. The country of Japan was broken down and its people shattered and devastated by the destruction of World War II. Millions of people were suffering from poverty, homelessness, various injuries and illness. However, Josei Toda instilled message of hope and confidence to numerous people based on Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism. He taught clear and basic insights of the power and unshakable confidence of practicing Nicherin Daishonin Buddhism thus, reviving peoples hope and courage to overcome their hardships based on their faith on Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism thus, transforming their state of suffering to a state of life filled with hopes and possibilities. Toda’s untiring dedication to help those who were suffering post war era and win in their lives led the movement of Soka Gakkai to almost one million members in the organization as well as laying the groundwork to spreading Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism overseas.
By 1957, 2nd President of Soka Gakkai Toda held a meeting before hundreds of SGI youth declaring his outpouring and fervent message to work hard and dedicate SGI mission for the elimination of nuclear weapon. It becomes a fundamental movement that is based on the sacred tenents of Buddhism that sanctifies the sacredness and dignity of life. And that an act to massively destroy life into abyss is a dark and demonic nature against the very essence of our humanity and value of life itself. He laid the foundation for the next generation of SGI to carry for its movements of peace through culture and education and by the time of his death in 1958 the organization had become an proactive grass root organization for peace in Japan for over million people.