Following the deaths of the four Fujiwara brothers (FUJIWARA no Muchimaro, FUJIWARA no Fusasaki, FUJIWARA no Umakai and FUJIWARA no Maro), he was appointed to Chidaijokanji (a deputy to the Dajo Daijin) in 737, and came to be in charge of political affairs together with TACHIBANA no Moroe, the then Dainagon (Major Counselor of the Daijokan).
天平9年（737年）、藤原四兄弟（藤原武智麻呂、藤原房前、藤原宇合、藤原麻呂）の死去を受け、太政大臣に任ぜられ、大納言橘諸兄と共に政権を運営する。