In the reign of Emperor Sanjo, he voluntarily took up the position of Dazai gon no sochi in Dazaifu, Kyushu in order to receive treatment for an eye disease, and during his service in 1019, earning himself military fame for repulsing the attack of Toi invasion (the Joshin tribe attacked Japan).
三条天皇代、眼病の治療の為、進んで大宰権帥を拝命し九州大宰府に下り、在任中の寛仁3年（1019年）、当地で刀伊の入寇を撃退し武名を挙げた。