Kowashi Inoue (1843-1895) was a competent bureaucrat in the Meiji era. Therefore, the relation between the Cabinet and him would likely excite attention or interest in the modernization of Japan. Inoue entered the Meiji Cabinet, after Shigenobu Okuma, a Cabinet Councilor, retired in the change of the Government in 1881 (in the 14th year of Meiji). After that, he wrote the draft of the Imperial Meiji Constitution, promulgated the Imperial Rescript on Education, drew up the new scheme of the Meiji education, a code of Laws, and composed political frames of the Empire Meiji State. Also, he participated in diplomatic negotiations with the Empire of China and Korea.
It was during the fourteen of fifteen year period, during which he played an active part in government affairs that he left massive original materials concerning the Meiji modernization in Japan. In particular, materials concerning the establishment of the constitutional and educational systems are remarkable. Mr. Inoue's collection of information and records is thorough, and a treasure house of Meiji history of Japan.
These papers were kept in absolute secrecy by the authorities in prewar days. They are 95% handwriting records. The whole consists of 5,594 Manuscripts (112,326 pages). They are classified and named Goin Library in the Library of Kokugakuin University.