At first he was interested in the study of Shingaku (Edo-period popularized blend of Buddhist, Shinto and Confucian ethical teachings) of Baigan ISHIDA, however, in 1783, he became a disciple of Ryukei IWAGAKI to study Confucianism.
初めは石田梅岩の心学に傾倒するが、1783年に儒学を志して巌垣竜渓の門下に入る。