When Empress Jito ascended the throne, he was appointed as Daijo-daijin (Grand minister of state), and afterward, he was promoted to the top position for the members of the Imperial family except Emperor and Crown Prince and the retainers.
686年に持統天皇が即位すると、太政大臣になり、以後は天皇・皇太子を除く皇族・臣下の最高位になった。