The details of Emishi's career are unknown, but it is known that he served as a member of Dajokan (Grand Council of State) and held an additional post as the Minister of Justice during the reign of the Emperor Tenmu.
毛人の経歴の詳細については不詳であるが、天武天皇朝の元で太政官をつとめ、刑部大卿を兼務していた。