This shinsei not only marked the beginning of a new era ushered in by the enthronement of Emperor Goshirakawa but also aimed at the restoration of centripetal force of the Imperial court by exercising a benevolent rule over the society and allaying the disturbance caused by the Hogen War, which had occurred immediately after the aforementioned event.
この新制は後白河天皇即位という代始めの意味合いとともに、直後に発生した保元の乱によって動揺する社会を沈静化させ、徳政を実行することで朝廷の求心力回復を図ったものである。