In around 1014, since he became unable to engage in government affairs due to an eye disease, Emperor Sanjo was requested to pass the throne on to Imperial Prince Atsuhira by FUJIWARA no Michinaga, Sadaijin (minister of the left) who was in charge of nairan (a preliminary inspection of official documents submitted from the Great Council of State to the Emperor) at that time.
長和3年（1014年）ごろより眼病を患い、政務に携わることが不可能となった三条天皇に対し、当時内覧であった左大臣藤原道長は、敦成親王への譲位を求めるようになる。