Meiroku zasshi was launched in 1874,[1] and the first issue was published on 2 April 1874.[2] The founders were the members of Meirokusha, a group of Japanese intellectuals, including Fukuzawa Yukichi.[3] The publisher was the Hochisha Company, and it was published on a B6 size or A5 size calligraphy paper.[2] Leading contributors included Mori Arinori, future education minister of Japan, and Tsuda Mamichi.[4]
Meiroku zasshi is one of the earliest publications in Japan which covered writings on Western culture.[3] Given that it was a publication of the Meiji period it frequently discussed education-related topics in regard to morality in the family as well as in the nation.[4] Meiroku zasshi sold nearly 3,000 copies in 1884.[5]
Meiroku zasshi was published twice or three times per month and folded following the 43rd issue which appeared on 14 November 1875.[2][5]
In 1975 William Braisted published a book on the magazine entitled Meiroku Zasshi: Journal of the Japanese Enlightenment.[5]