Abstract: In the 17th and 18th centuries, “Fuko” became the dominant trend of thought in Japan, of which Ogyu Sorais theory was the most cuttingedge and influential. An analysis of the process of Sorais theoretical construction reveals that he finally established the learning method of “reading the six classics directly without exegesis” by absorbing and explaining the methodology of Wang Shizhen and others. In addition to contributing a new research paradigm to Edo Confucianism, his theory also promoted the acceptance and recognition of Japanese Confucianism in the East Asian world.

Key words: Japanese thought, KobunjiGaku, the Six Classics, Ogyu Sorai