In 995, when Michikane's elder brother, kanpaku Michitaka, fell seriously ill, Michitaka wanted his legitimate son naidaijin FUJIWARA no Korechika to succeed him as kanpaku, but this was not allowed and he died on May 17.
長徳元年（995年）兄の関白道隆が重い病に伏した、道隆は後継の関白に嫡男の内大臣藤原伊周を望むがこれは許されず、4月10日に死去した。