Nichizon ［日尊］ (1265–1345): A disciple of Nikkō. A native of Tamano in Mutsu Province, Japan, he studied Buddhism at a nearby temple of the Tendai school. In 1283 Nichimoku, who was visiting Mutsu Province, converted him to Nichiren’s teaching. The next year, Nichizon accompanied Nichimoku to Minobu, where he served Nikkō, Nichiren’s successor. In 1289, when Nikkō decided to leave Minobu, Nichizon accompanied him. In the autumn of 1299, he was expelled from among Nikkō’s disciples for letting his attention wander to the falling leaves of a pear tree while Nikkō was lecturing on Nichiren’s teachings. In Nichizon’s inattention, Nikkō sensed a lack of earnestness. As an act of penance, Nichizon journeyed to various districts throughout Japan to spread Nichiren’s teaching, and in the next twelve years converted or built many temples (a total of thirty-six according to one source). As a result, Nikkō finally forgave him. In 1333, after Nikkō’s death, he accompanied Nichimoku together with Nichigō to remonstrate with the imperial court in Kyoto. Nichimoku died en route, but Nichizon and Nichigō went on to Kyoto in his stead. Nichizon remained in Kyoto and in 1336 built Jōgyō-in temple (a foundation for present-day Yōbō-ji temple) there. In 1341 he enshrined statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his ten major disciples, an act that ran counter to the teachings of Nichiren and Nikkō.