NSA: The Ikkō-ikki

APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 25 DELEGATES

The Ikkō-ikki find themselves at a critical moment in the turmoil caused by the Ōnin War, as the collapse of central authority and spread of civil conflict create the conditions for local leagues to emerge as political forces. Bound together by Jōdo Shinshū devotion, these loosely structured “leagues of one mind” draw strength from commoners, monks, merchants, and local fighters alike, and have begun to transform religious conviction into organized resistance under the influence of the Honganji branch. Yet that broad coalition also makes the movement difficult to control, as followers remain divided by regional loyalties, local ambitions, and competing alliances even while the movement seeks to challenge elite rule and secure a permanent place within Japan’s political order. If delegates can preserve unity, deepen popular commitment, and turn shared faith into durable political organization, they may succeed in transforming a growing uprising into lasting power rather than a passing wave of revolt.

CHAIR: Adrian Evers

Issues to consider

Issue 1: Amplify Influence: The Ikkō-ikki are united through Jōdo Shinshū devotion and shared resistance to elite rule. How can the movement keep ordinary people mobilized and committed while turning religious energy into lasting political power? 

Issue 2: Build Strategic Alliances: The Ikkō-ikki draws strength from a broad and diverse following, and their allegiances could shift. Which powers should the Ikkō-ikki ally with, and how can they avoid backing a side that weakens their autonomy or compromises their cause?

Issue 3: Maintain Unity: The Ikkō-ikki are loosely structured leagues made up mostly of commoners with varied aims and allegiances that can pull the movement in different directions. How can the Ikkō-ikki keep peasants, monks, merchants, and local fighters unified around one cause without the movement fracturing from within?

About the Chair

Adrian Evers is a proud member of the class of 2028 in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, majoring in Science, Technology, and International Affairs (STIA). Originally from Jersey City, NJ, he came to D.C. after living in Germany for over five years. It was at his German high school where he first encountered MUN, competing for three years and even taking part in an international conference in Genoa, Italy. Outside of MUN, he can be found devoting time to pre-law work or engaging with energy policy projects. Adrian is also very passionate in music, playing cello for the GU Orchestra and singing with the Georgetown Chimes. When he has free time, he loves e-scootering around D.C. or strolling around town with friends. He is very eager to serve as an NSA Chair for NAIMUN LXIV this year and create a memorable experience for all!

About the Crisis manager

Keira Lozada is a loyal member of Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service Class of 2029, majoring in International Politics and minoring in Latin American Studies. Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, she was previously involved in Model UN at her high school. While she no longer competes, she has continued her dedication to MUN with Georgetown’s many conferences, including as Director of Delegate Affairs for NCSC LIV and a crisis analyst for DistrictMUN. Outside of committee, Keira engages with the College Democrats and Georgetown Students for Prison Justice. Whenever she is not curled up in a corner of Lauinger Library, she is scouring the DC area for Cuban bakeries or looking for an excuse to go to Raising Cane’s. She simply cannot wait to see her favorite band, 5 Seconds of Summer, in August – or to meet all of you in February as a Crisis Manager for NAIMUN LXIV!