After Emperor Shotoku passed away without selecting Crown Prince in 770, he worked together with his brother FUJIWARA no Yoshitsugu to enthrone Emperor Konin by overcoming the opposition from parties including Udaijin (Minister of the Right) KIBI no Makibi.
宝亀元年（770年）称徳天皇が皇嗣を定めないまま崩御した際、右大臣吉備真備らの反対をおして、兄藤原良継とともに、光仁天皇を擁立。