The Retired Empress Gosakuramachi consulted with one of the oldest courtiers, as well as the former chancellor (chief advisor to the emperor) and Uchisaki KONOE, she decided to adopt a child from the Fushimi no Miya family, and finally it was decided to adopt Emperor Kokaku (Imperial Prince Kan in no Miya Sukehito), who was nine years old upon the recommendation of the current chancellor (chief advisor to the emperor), Naozane KUJO.
後桜町上皇は廷臣の長老で前関白・近衛内前と相談し、伏見宮より養子を迎えようとしたが、結局現関白・九条尚実の推す9歳の光格天皇（閑院宮典仁親王六男）に決まった。