In 997, he was conferred Jugoinoge (Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade) at the age of 12, and the next year he was appointed jiju (chamberlain), and afterwards he continued his advancement to higher official rank, and in 998 he took the post of Kurodo no to (head chamberlain), the second position after Kugyo (the top court officials).
長徳3年（997年）に、12歳で従五位下の叙位を受け、翌年には侍従に任官し、その後も養父の引き上げもあり、順調に官位を昇進し、長和4年には公卿に次ぐ蔵人頭に任官する。