He was born to the priest Shunkai, and around 1150 he was adopted by his uncle FUJIWARA no Toshinari, growing up to have Jugoi (Junior Fifth Rank) and work at the Ministry of Central Affairs.
僧俊海の子として生まれ、1150年頃叔父である藤原俊成の養子となり、長じて従五位・中務省に至る。