Itagaki Taisuke
Etō Shimpei, former Justice Minister and "sangi" (Councilor) in the early Meiji government resigned his posts in 1873 to protest the government's refusal to launch a military expedition against Korea "(Seikanron)." Eto then assisted Itagaki Taisuke in organizing the "Aikoku Kōtō" political party, and in composing the "Tosa Memorial", a sharp criticism of the government. In January 1874, frustrated by the government's rejection of his efforts, he returned to his native Saga where both the traditionists and the Seikantō "samurai" rallied to his support.