Ako is a term derived from classical Chinese texts, and because FUJIWARA no Sukeyo, Monjo hakase (professor of literature), had described the scenario to Mototsune as one in which, "he would receive the high position of Ako, but it would be merely ceremonious, and would have no official duties"; therefore, Mototsune was able to abandoned all his political duties.
阿衡とは中国の故事によるものだが、これを文章博士藤原佐世が「阿衡には位貴しも、職掌なし」と基経に告げたため、基経はならばと政務を放棄してしまった。