Society of Patriots

political organization, Japan

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July 1, 2026

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The Society of Patriots was an early political organization in Japan founded by Hakushaku Itagaki Taisuke. Itagaki, a samurai, was instrumental in the Meiji Restoration of 1868. After leaving government service, he advocated for a council chamber chosen by the people. In 1878, he established the Society of Patriots, which aimed to teach democratic principles and is why he became known as the "Jean-Jacques Rousseau of Japan". This organization was a precursor to Japan's first political party, the Liberal Party (Jiyūtō), which Itagaki founded in 1882.1

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Hakushaku Itagaki Taisuke
…with a mass following, the Society of Patriots, but he resisted the desire of radical members of the group to join in the rebellion that was raised in 1877 by dissatisfied samurai. In 1878 Itagaki tried to further his movement by establishing a school devoted to teaching the principles of…
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…with a mass following, the Society of Patriots, but he resisted the desire of radical members of the group to join in the rebellion that was raised in 1877 by dissatisfied samurai. In 1878 Itagaki tried to further his movement by establishing a school devoted to teaching the principles of…
Read More