1873 (Meiji 6) Political Upheaval (at center is an artist's conception). From "Bakumatsu, Meiji, Taisho Kaiko 80 nenshi no.6"

After the Iwakura Mission returned to Japan, a difference of opinion emerged between the group that had traveled abroad (OKUBO Toshimichi, KIDO Takayoshi, et al.) and those in the caretaker group in Japan concerning the merits of the so-called Seikanron (conquer Korea debate), SAIGO Takamori's proposal to invade Korea. Supporters of the Korean invasion (including SAIGO, ITAGAKI Taisuke, and SOEJIMA Taneomi) were defeated by those advocating the primacy of domestic politics (OKUBO, et al.), and the former all resigned from the government in October 1873 (Meiji 6). This is the "Seikanron Political Crisis of 1873 (Meiji 6)", or simply the "1873 (Meiji 6) Political Crisis." Afterwards, the task of organizing the system of government devolved upon two councilors (sangi), ITO Hirobumi and TERAJIMA Munenori.

OKUBO presented ITO with an opinion brief based on a document that he had his subordinates YOSHIDA Kiyonari and YOSHIHARA Shigetoshi draw up. In it, OKUBO advocated the establishment of a national law based on the concept of kunmin kyochi (joint rule by sovereign and the people) that would suit Japan's culture and traditions.