Nichiji ［日持］ (b. 1250): Also known as Kai-kō. One of the six senior priests designated by Nichiren. Born in Matsuno Village of Ihara District in Suruga Province, Japan, he was the second son of Matsuno Rokurō Saemon. In his boyhood, he entered Shijūku-in temple and studied under Hōki-bō (later called Nikkō), taking the name Kai-kō. In 1270 he entered the priesthood and, on the advice of Hōki-bō, became Nichiren’s follower. He was later given the name of Nichiji, and was especially active in Matsuno Village, where he built a temple called Ren’ei-ji. In 1295 he set out on a journey to propagate Nichiren’s teachings and is said to have gone to Hokkaido, northern China, and even to Mongolia. What happened to him is not known.