When Yoshinaka went to Kyoto by following the Taira clan, Yoshikane and his older brother Yoshitsune were appointed as the guard of Kyoto (according to "Kikki" and "Genpei Seisuiki").
義仲が平氏を逐って入京すると、義兼は兄の義経とともに京都の警護に任じられた（『吉記』『源平盛衰記』）。