Ōkuma and Ono Build a Political Party and Tokyo Senmon Gakkō

After the 1881 political crisis removed Ōkuma Shigenobu from government, Ono Azusa worked with him and younger associates to build a party. Ono drafted its statement of purpose. The Constitutional Progressive Party formally organized on April 16, 1882, with Ōkuma as president and Ono handling organizational affairs.

The same circle also prepared a private school. Ōkuma’s adopted son Hidemaro submitted the application to the Tokyo authorities on September 11; approval followed on September 28. Admissions examinations were held in October, and Tokyo Senmon Gakkō opened on October 21 with Hidemaro as its first principal. Its courses included political economy and law, with science and English also forming part of the early program.

Founding the school required authorization, premises, teachers and an admissions process, not only a declaration by its patron. Ōkuma’s political standing and resources supported the enterprise, while associates carried out the institutional work.

The party sought influence over the parliamentary system being prepared for 1890. The school supplied a continuing route into advanced study and public life before that parliament opened. Sharing founders did not make the two organizations identical: a school had students and teaching obligations alongside its founders’ political interests.