Freedom and People's Rights Movement
The "Aikoku Kōtō" was formed in January 1874 by Itagaki Taisuke, Etō Shinpei, Gotō Shōjirō and others as part of the Freedom and People's Rights Movement. Its purpose was to petition the Meiji government to establish a national assembly. Fearing arrest after the failed Saga Rebellion, Itagaki disbanded it soon after its foundation.