He was born of TAIRA no Tokiko, the legal wife of TAIRA no Kiyomori, in a time when the Taira clan enjoyed their greatest prosperity, and he was first promoted to Jugoinoge (Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade) rank at the age of eight, and continued to receive promotions to higher ranks..
平氏の全盛期に清盛の正室・平時子を母として生まれ、わずか8歳で従五位下となり、その後も栄進していく。