Niiama ［新尼］ (n.d.): A follower of Nichiren who practiced his teachings along with her mother-in-law, Ōama (whose name means elder nun). Her name, Niiama, means younger nun. Ōama is regarded as the wife of the proprietary lord of Tōjō Village of Nagasa District in Awa Province. Although Ōama renounced her faith in Nichiren’s teachings around the time of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution of 1271, Niiama remained steadfast and was granted a Gohonzon by Nichiren in 1275. She also received a letter from Nichiren, known as Reply to Niiama, in which he explained the significance of the Gohonzon, or object of devotion in his teachings, and why he did not give one to Ōama.