It is said that on that occasion, influenced by the philosophy of Japanese classical literature, he showed interest in the argument of Sonno-joi (slogan advocating reverence for the Emperor and the expulsion of foreigners) and developed a passion for domestic politics.
この際に国学思想の影響を受けて尊皇攘夷論に関心を抱き、次第に意を国事に用いるようになったとされている。