Myōichi, the lay nun ［妙一尼］ ( Myōichi-ama): Either of two followeres of Nichiren (1222–1282) known by this name. Both lived in Kamakura, Japan, in the thirteenth century. (1) A relative of Nisshō, one of the six senior priests named by Nichiren. A few extant letters to her from Nichiren indicate that she was an earnest believer and fairly well educated, though in poor health. While Nichiren was in exile on Sado Island during the years between 1271 and 1274, she sent her servant to attend him.
  (2) A believer in Kamakura whose husband was also a believer but died while Nichiren was in exile on Sado Island. In a letter Nichiren addressed to her in 1275, he writes: “Your husband gave his life for the Lotus Sutra. His entire livelihood depended on a small fief, and that was confiscated because of his faith in the Lotus Sutra. Surely that equals giving his life for the Lotus Sutra” (536). Though she had to raise their two children alone, she sent her servant to Nichiren with offerings while he was in Sado and at Minobu. Nichiren’s letter known as Winter Always Turns to Spring was addressed to her. One account identifies these two women as the same person. See also Myōichi-nyo.