The prosperity of waka in the period of Kokufu Bunka (Japan's original national culture) facilitated the development in the study of poetry; beginning with 'Kanajo' (a preface written in kana) by KI no Tsurayuki of "Kokin Wakashu," subjective pieces such as "Shinsen Zuino" (The Essentials of Poetry, Newly Compiled) of FUJIWARA no Kinto appeared.
国風文化の時代の和歌の隆盛は歌学の発展を促し、『古今和歌集』の紀貫之「仮名序」がその先駆けをなすといわれ、藤原公任の『新撰髄脳』などの自覚的な著作もあらわれるに至った。