The first publication of this book, which presents the standards and protocols, was accomplished in 1951. The effort to produce this book began much earlier. In response to a wartime government decree, three Nichiren schools — Nichiren Shu, Honmon Shu, and Kempon Hokke Shu merged into today’s Nichiren Shu on April 3, 1941.

Included in the first Shutei Hoyo Shiki were documents and letters providing important background on the motivations for the merger and the creation of this book. It is in the spirit of understanding and clarification that I present a summary of this important information here.