It was named by Nishimura Tenshu, the chief editor of Osaka Asahi Shimbun.
The column often reflects on recent news, or other contemporary matters such as a change of seasons.
The column started under strong influence of English essay literature at the beginning of the 20th century.
[1] The Asahi Shimbun advertised that short essays in the Tensei Jingo were frequently cited in entrance examinations to universities.
[clarification needed][2] The writers were top journalists of the Asahi Shimbun at that time.