He achieved rapid advancement in life under his father, Kanpaku (chief adviser to the Emperor); for example, in 1199, he became Jushiinoge Ukone no chujo (Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade, Middle Captain of the Right Division of Inner Palace Guards), and the next year 1200, after three time promotions, on December 11 he reached Jusanmi (Junior Third Rank).
関白であった父のもとで急速な出世を遂げ、正治元年（1199年）に従四位下右近衛中将になると、翌2年には3度の叙階で10月26日には従三位に達した。