He invaded Chikugo Province to expand his power in 1351; he got involved in the battle between the Kyushu Tandai (local commissioner) Noriuji ISSHIKI and Yorinao SHONI of the Hokucho (Northern Court) in March 1353, and defeated both of them to establish the fluorish of Nancho (Southern Court) power in Kyushu.
1351年には筑後国に進出して勢力を拡大し、1353年2月には、北朝の九州探題一色範氏と少弐頼尚の争いに介入し、両者を倒して九州における南朝勢力の隆盛を確立した。