After the Meiji Restoration, Japan began to actively absorb western civilization and to promote rapid modernization of its society. As a result Japan was able to achieve breathtaking social and economic advances during this period. However, this brought the destruction of traditional culture and the disregard of traditional values. Following the　Russo-Japanese War (1904-05), the domestic situation worsened, and people’s thinking changed. Consequently, various social problems emerged, which gave rise to serious social instability.

It was during this period that Tokujiro Shibata and a group of likeminded people concerned with the future of Japanese society came together to form “Seinen Dai-Mindan”(Greater Association of Youth).
The purpose of the Association was to “reform Japan” by means of social improvement and educating young people. The growingactivities of the Association culminated in the birth of “Kokushikan,” a private academy established in 1917 based on the principle of “Katsugaku”(practical education).

As mentioned in the statement of the purport for establishing Kokushikan, the founders aimed to educate young people with wisdom and confidence to contribute towards the development of the nation and society. Guided by the spirit and philosophy of Yoshida Shoin, the founders sought to achieve this goal through the training of spirit and body and the development of character founded on daily “practice.”

Since then, Kokushikan has remained committed to the philosophy of educating people who can help build the nation. Our goal has been the cultivation of the Four Precepts: Sincerity, Industriousness, Insight and Spiritual Strength, which students are encouraged to aspire to through constant “reading, experience, and reflection.” Based on this approach, Kokushikan has sent out a large number of graduates who have contributed and continue to contribute to progress in various fields.

Today, Educational Foundation of Kokushikan continues to cherish the philosophy of education carefully nurtured since its founding. At the same time, Kokushikan is earnestly committed to actively contributing to the needs of society by raising its levels of knowledge and practice in newly developed areas of research and learning, and by striving to realize a peaceful and sustainable society.