Motochika, Jusanmi (Junior Third Rank) and Minister of the Hyobu-sho (Ministry of Military Affairs), is said to have written the book after being asked questions by the chief priest of the Ninna-ji Temple, Cloistered Imperial Prince Shukaku,
仁和寺門跡である守覚法親王の質問を受けて、従三位兵部卿であった基親が著したと言われている。