In the Jinshin War of 672, he became an envoy responsible for mobilizing forces for Prince Otomo (later Emperor Kobun), but he was taken prisoner and switched allegiance to Prince Oama (later Emperor Tenmu).
672年の壬申の乱で大友皇子（弘文天皇）のために兵を集める使者になったが、捕虜になって大海人皇子（天武天皇）に従った。