[Purpose/significance] Through an analysis of SMR investigatory apparatus business and its operation mechanism, this paper discusses the development model of the investigation organ, the South Manchuria Railway think tank, and reveals the militarism influence on the early Japanese think tank development. [Method/process] This paper combed the SMR’s important survey agencies development pattern by the case study and literature survey and also discussed the key mechanism of operation system and organization characteristics. The evaluation of reports directed by the SMR provided references. [Result/conclusion] The SMR, as a colonial and aggressive policy tool, its surveys were done for the government and military authorities. With independent sources of information, the use of network intelligence structure and the combination of resident literature collection with field investigation, the collection of professional analysis personnel, the SMR investigation organization completes the decision-making through the scientific method and has reference value.