Although Kaneyoshi served for Emperor Gouda as the Hokumen no Bushi (the Imperial Palace Guards) and was promoted to Jugoinoge-sahyoenosuke (Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, Deputy Chief of the Palace Guard of the Left), he entered the priesthood and changed his name to Kenko after the death of the Retired Emperor.
後宇多天皇に北面の武士として仕え、従五位下左兵衛佐まで上ったが、上皇の死後、出家して兼好（けんこう）を名乗った。