The Ichinokami was the highest-ranking minister among the Kugyo, except for Daijo-daijin (Grand minister of state), who received direct instructions from the Emperor, and Sessho Kanpaku (regent and chief adviser to the Emperor), who acted for the Emperor.
天皇の師傳である太政大臣と天皇の代理である摂政関白を除いた公卿の中で最高の地位にある大臣がこれを務めた。