It was a collection of poems modeled after "Kokinshu," and was compiled to complete the seven collections, attempting to restore waka poetry to its former elegant status because it was being invaded by the newly rising genres of poetry, renga (linked verse) and imayo (an ancient verse form consisting of four lines, each divided into two parts of seven and five syllables).
『古今集』を範として七代集を集大成する目的で編まれ、新興文学である連歌・今様に侵蝕されつつあった短歌の世界を典雅な空間に復帰させようとした歌集。