THE “PATRIOTIC RUFFIANS” OF TAISHŌ JAPAN: KOKUSUIKAI
 https://doi.org/10.65725/RPSET/1/3/003

JOURNAL OF RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY (RPSET)
Volume 1 Issue 3, July – September 2026

Abstract:
Japan witnessed increasing penetration of liberal ideas from the West from the 1900s. The Japanese state and conservatives deemed these ideas “Dangerous Thoughts”; the growing workers’ strikes and student protests were believed to be a result of these “Dangerous Thoughts”. As a result, a group of ruffians was put together following a meeting held by Mr. Tokonami to counter “Dangerous Thoughts” in the Taisho period (1912-26).  It was believed that by banding these ruffians together as a patriotic society, they could be of immense help to the government, especially during times of turbulence. The organisation was known as Kokusuikai.  This paper looks at the Kokusuikai and its role in the Taishō period.

Authors: Shreya Mamgain

Keywords: Ruffians, Patriotic Ruffians, Kokusuikai, Taishō Japan, Taishō Democracy, Labour, Kyokaku, Mr. Tokonami.