Shakaishugi Kenkyukai

(Society for the Study of Socialism), a society that existed in Japan from October 1898 to January 1900. Shakaishugi Kenkyukai was founded in Tokyo by Katayama Sen and Kotoku Denjiro and had approximately 40 members. It was established to examine various works on socialism and explore the possibility of adopting socialism in Japan. The society arranged lectures on various topics, including problems facing Japan. In late 1899 it was decided to convert Shakaishugi Kenkyukai into a practical organization and, toward this end, to unite all advocates of socialism to form Shakaishugi Kyokai (Socialist Society).