In 967, as Emperor Reizei ascended the throne after the death of Emperor Murakami, FUJIWARA no Kanemichi succeeded his younger brother, Kaneie, as the Chief Imperial Secretary.
康保4年（967年）、村上天皇が崩じ、冷泉天皇の即位とともに蔵人頭を弟の兼家と代わる。