According to "Nihonshoki", in 644 he was sought to take on the post of an official who arranges festivals and rites, which was the family business of Nakatomi clan, but he refused flatly and retired to his second residence in Mishima, Settsu Province.
『日本書紀』によると644年（皇極天皇3年）に中臣氏の家業であった祭官につくことを求められたが、鎌足は固辞して摂津国三島の別邸に退いた。