It is said that he was impressed by FUJIWARA no Michinaga's demeanor at the funeral of Kaneie, chief advisor to the Emperor, in 990, and therefore he began to serve as one of his close advisers.
正暦元年（990年）、関白兼家の葬儀に際して、藤原道長の振る舞いに感心して側近として従うようになったと伝えられる。