He traveled to the capital in 1568, where he met with warlord Oda Nobunaga, and presented him with some tea accoutrements which had belonged to earlier masters. He thus earned Nobunaga's favor, and was granted a noble title. Shortly afterwards, when Nobunaga sought to lay claim to Sakai, many members of the council debated seeking defense from the Miyoshi clan, but Sōkyū was among those who suggested that the city submit.
He journeyed to the capital in 1568, where he met with warlord Oda Nobunaga, presenting him with tea accoutrements that belonged to previous masters. This act earned Nobunaga's favor and granted him a noble title. Subsequently, when Nobunaga sought to seize Sakai, some members of the council debated seeking defense from the Miyoshi clan, but Sōkyū was among those who recommended that the city submit.