In the Muromachi period, To no ben was dubbed 'Tenjo Kanrei no to' (shogunal deputy at the palace) and played a role of the responsible person for various jobs at tenjo no ma (a chamber under the eaves on the south side of the Seiryo-den).
室町時代になると、もっぱら頭弁が「殿上管領頭」として清涼殿南廂の殿上間における雑事の責任者を務めた。