He was the son of Minamoto no Tsunenobu (1016–1097); holder of the second rank in court and of the position of Grand Counsellor). Shunrai was favored by Emperor Go-Sanjo and to a lesser degree Emperor Shirakawa; in no small part for political reasons. At this time, the Fujiwara family dominated the country, and its branch, the Rokujō family, similarly dominated the court poetry scene; by favoring their rivals, the Emperors could thus strike back.
He was the son of Minamoto no Tsunenobu (1016–1097); holder of the second rank in court and Grand Counsellor). Shunrai was favored by Emperor Go-Sanjo and to a lesser extent by Emperor Shirakawa; partly due to political reasons. At this time, the Fujiwara family dominated the country, and its branch, the Rokujō family, similarly controlled the court poetry scene; by supporting their rivals, the Emperors could thus retaliate.