As a result of the Decree (of 1867) for the Restoration of Imperial Rule, Nobuatsu assumed the position of Gijo, one of the top three posts in the Meiji Government established by the Decree, along with Michitomi HIGASHIKUZE and Tomomi IWAKURA.
王政復古の大号令に伴い、東久世通禧や岩倉具視らとともに明治政府三職のひとつである議定に就任。