Kanku became Gon-Risshi (generally in Shingon sect, fifteenth-ranking Buddhist priest, literally, "supernumerary master of discipline") in 945, and then successively held the following posts; To-ji choja, Kongobuji Temple's zasu (head priest), Ninna-ji Temple betto (secretary in the office of temple), and Ninna-ji temple homu (Director of Temple Affairs) and became Sojo in 964.
945年（天慶8年）権律師となり、その後東寺長者・金剛峯寺座主・仁和寺別当・同寺法務を歴任し、964年（康保元年）僧正にいたった。