 Hagiwara rejected the symbolism and use of unusual words, with consequent vagueness of Hakushū and other contemporary poets in favor of precise wording which appealed rhythmically or musically to the ears.The work met with much critical acclaim, especially for its bleak style, conveying an attitude of pessimism and despair based on modern Western psychological concept of existential angst influenced by the philosophy of Nietzsche.Hagiwara's second anthology, "Aoneko" ("Blue Cat") was published in 1923 to even greater acclaim and "Tsuki ni Hoeru".