 They were incensed by Meiji government decrees permitting foreigners to purchase land in Japan, to allow missionaries to spread the Christian religion, and to forbid the carrying of swords.A rumor that Emperor Meiji was planning a trip overseas was the final straw for Shinpūren members.Otaguro was also a Shinto priest ("kannushi"), and after several attempts at divination, was given what he considered to be divine authorization to lead an uprising.