岩倉使節団
After the Meiji Restoration, Sasaki served the Meiji government as "sangi" (councilor) and "taifu" (senior vice minister) of the Ministry of Justice. In 1871, Sasaki was selected to be a member of the Iwakura Mission, and traveled around the globe. On his return, he found that many of his countrymen had quit the government over the "Seikanron" debate; however, Sasaki chose to remain in the Genrōin as an active member of the new government.