It is believed to have been created along with ekiden-sei (transportation system) consisting of ekiba (horses for transportation of official travelers) and tenma (post horses) established by Kaishin no Mikotonori (the Imperial Reform Edict) which was issued by Emperor Kotoku on January 1, 646 (according to old lunar calendar), and government officials brought ekishi (or ninsoku (coolie, laborer)) and ekiba or ekifune into requisition by ringing this bell at umaya.
646年（大化2年）1月1日(旧暦)、孝徳天皇によって発せられた改新の詔による、駅馬・伝馬の駅伝制の設置に伴って造られたと考えられており、官吏は駅において、この鈴を鳴らして駅子（人足）と駅馬または駅舟を徴発させた。