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.
Shunrai was a son of Minamoto no Tsunenobu (1016–1097), who held the second rank in court and was Grand Counsellor. He was favored by both Emperor Go-Sanjo and Emperor Shirakawa, albeit to varying degrees; this preference often stemmed from political reasons. At this time, the Fujiwara family dominated the country, with their branch, the Rokujō family, controlling court poetry; by supporting their rivals, the Emperors could thus retaliate.