July 2025
Soka Amazon Institute | Explore the Amazon Rainforest Through VR
The impacts of climate change have intensified worldwide in recent years. In the Amazon, known as the “lungs of the Earth,” forest fires and drought persist, exacerbated by deforestation and causing a crisis of biodiversity loss. Opportunities to experience the beauty of nature and appreciate its importance have become more vital than ever.
A virtual reality (VR) video introducing the Soka Amazon Institute, located on the outskirts of Manaus, Brazil, has been released on the Institute's official YouTube channel. The video captures the rich ecosystems within the protected area that surrounds the Institute and beautiful natural landscapes filmed using drones and 360-degree cameras. With a dedicated headset, or even a computer or smartphone, viewers can experience the Amazon forest virtually and learn about the Institute’s activities. Viewers can observe 360-degree scenery just by tilting their screen or using the multi-directional arrows.
YouTube (English)
YouTube (Portuguese)
YouTube (Japanese)
A dedicated website launched alongside the video also allows virtual exploration of the Institute's facilities and surrounding locations.
The Institute was established in 1992 based on the vision of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda who hoped it would: “cultivate harmonious coexistence between humankind and nature in order to guarantee the ecological integrity of the Amazon.” It stands in a stunning location overlooking the Meeting of the Waters of the Negro and Solimões rivers, and the 52 hectares of forest around it has been designated by the Brazilian government as the Daisaku Ikeda Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Daisaku Ikeda).
Since its founding, the Institute has promoted nature and biodiversity protection, environmental education and support for research. Its environmental education program has welcomed a total of 20,000 local residents and students as of 2025. Students visit the forest reserve and the river and learn about coexisting with nature.
