Although "Nihonshoki" (Chronicles of Japan) does not touch on the contents of this 'Emperor's Edict,' judging from the context, it had been supposed to be the imperial decree to order Prince Otomo's succession of the throne.
書紀はこの「天皇の詔」の内容を記さないが、文脈から大友皇子の皇位継承を命じる詔だろうと従来から推測されていた。