[M]uch of my thoughts are devoted to saving Japan from the impending national crisis, but all of the people of Japan, both rulers and subjects alike, not only refused to listen to me but also subjected me to frequent persecutions. Though this may be an omen of national destruction, I felt things were beyond my capabilities and decided to retreat into the mountain. Regarding the anticipated invasion of Japan by troops of the Great Mongol Empire, I truly feel remorseful as I believe that a national crisis such as this could have been averted if the people of Japan had heeded my words. I cannot stop the tears from rolling down when I think of the people in Japan, all captured and murdered just as those on the islands of Iki and Tsushima have been recently.

Ueno-dono Gohenji, Reply to Lord Ueno, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Volume 7, Followers II, Page 5