This became a formal institution of the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun), and it was decided by Yoshimitsu ASHIKAGA that the position would be called 'Sorokushi,' being first held by Shunoku Myoha of the Gozan (five highest ranked Zen temples).
後に室町幕府の正式な機関となり、足利義満の元で僧録司（そうろくし）と呼ばれて五山派の春屋妙葩が初代の僧録に任じられた。