Abstract
In this paper, the works of Toyama Masakazu, a sociologist in the Meiji period, are examined to clarify his view of sociology. There are two contrasting images of Toyama in the context of Japanese sociology : an opponent of the people's rights movement and a liberalist who insisted on women's liberation. I try to integrate these seemingly opposing images. First, how Toyama comprehended the role of sociology in the society of his era is examined. Second, the core of his study of the ancient society is discussed. Based on these discussions, I conclude that Toyama viewed sociology as an evolutionary one that could be introduced to educate people. What he tried was to apply the essence of mythology to the society of his era, and to find contemporary factors in the world of myth as well.
