Update: A Buddha must have 32 major marks and 80 minor marks. So
far, none other than Shakyamuni Buddha possesses that. So
obviously, no Buddhas has appeared since Shakyamuni.
If you look into the prophecy of Maitreya by Shakyamuni, it is
totally unlike now or the period Nichiren lived in.
Sariputra, the great general of
the doctrine, most wise and resplendent, from compassion for the
world asked the Lord: 'Some time ago you have spoken to us of the
future Buddha, who will lead the world at a future period, and who
will bear the name of Maitreya. I would now wish to hear more about
his powers and miraculous gifts. Tell me, O best of men, about
them!'
The Lord replied: 'At that time, the ocean will lose much
of its water, and there will be much less of it than now. In
consequence a world-ruler will have no difficulties in passing
across it. India, this island of Jambu, will be quite flat
everywhere, it will measure ten thousand leagues, and all men will
have the privilege of living on it. It will have innumerable
inhabitants, who will commit no crimes or evil deeds, but will take
pleasure in doing good. The soil will then be free from thorns,
even, and covered with a fresh green growth of grass; when one
jumps on it, it gives way, and becomes soft like the leaves of the
cotton tree. It has a delicious scent, and tasty rice grows on it,
without any work. Rich silken, and other fabrics of various colours
shoot forth from the trees. The trees will bear
leaves, flowers and fruits simultaneously; they are as high as the
voice can reach and they last for eight myriads of years. Human
beings are then without any blemishes, moral offences are unknown
among them, and they are full of zest and joy. Their bodies are
very large and their skin has a fine hue. Their strength is quite
extraordinary. Three kinds of illness only are known -- people must
relieve their bowels, they must eat, they must get old. Only when
five hundred years old do the women marry.
The city of Ketumati will at that time be the capital. In it will
reside the world-ruler, Shankha by name, who will rule over the
earth up to the confines of the ocean; and he will make the Dharma
prevail. He will be a great hero, raised to his station by the
force of hundreds of meritorious deeds. His spiritual advisor will
be a Brahmin, Subrahmana by name, a very learned man, well versed
in the four Vedas, and steeped in all the lore of the Brahmins. And
that Brahmin will have a wife, called Brahmavati, beautiful,
attractive, handsome, and renowned.