The Mantram "Namumyohorengekyo" Appears to Nichiren in the Waves near Sumida on the Way to Exile on Sado Island, from the series A Short Pictorial Biography of the Founder of the Nichiren Sect

Nichiren was a controversial figure in his time. His strong beliefs led to clashes with other Buddhist leaders and the government, resulting in his persecution and two periods of exile. These prints illustrate a story about his second exile to Sado Island off of the western coast of Japan. While crossing the sea to the island, the waters became violent and the people on the boat were paralyzed with fear. Nichiren began to chant the Odaimoku お題目, a mantra of praise to the Lotus Sutra: Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō 南無妙法蓮華経. The waters were calmed, and the ship continued to the island. In one version of the story, Nichiren used an oar to write the mantra on the waves; here, his chanting causes it to appear in the water.