Meirokusha

The Meiji 6 Society (明六社, Meirokusha^?) was an intellectual society in Meiji period Japan that published social-criticism journal Meiroku Zasshi (明六雑誌, "Meiroku Journal"^?).

Proposed by statesman Mori Arinori in 1873 (six years after the Meiji Restoration) and officially formed on 1 February 1874, the Meirokusha was intended to “promote civilization and enlightenment”, and to introduce western ethics and the elements of western civilization to Japan. It played a prominent role in introducing and popularizing Western ideas during the early Meiji period, through public lectures and through its journal, the Meiroku zasshi. Mori had been impressed by the activities of American educational societies during his stint (1871-1873) as Japan's first envoy to the United States. He was also influenced by Horace Mann's views on universal education.

Its original members were Mori Arinori, Nishimura Shigeki, Fukuzawa Yukichi, Kato Hiroyuki, Mitsukuri Rinsho, Mitsukuri Shuhei, Nakamura Masanao, Nishi Amane, Tsuda Mamichi, and Sugi Koji.

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