Abstract: The “DaiGyakuJiKen” was a typical case in which the Japanese government used the power of the state to oppress the anti-establishment forces. It also reflected the upsurge of the socialist movement in Japan at that time and the extensive influence of socialist ideology on various social strata in Japan. From the perspective of the formation mechanism of Buddhist socialists in this event, the similarity between socialist ideals and Buddhist teachings in some aspects is an important reason for Buddhists to get close to socialism, but their recognition and participation in socialist revolutionary movement are restricted by many factors, such as economic and social status and sectarian thinking. On the other hand, after this event, the Japanese Buddhist order moved closer to the regime, and the Meiji government strengthened the use of the Buddhist order.

Key words: Japanese early socialist movement, Japanese Buddhism, Meiji period, “DaiGyakuJiKen”