The rebellion of FUJIWARA no Nakamaro resulted in letting Dokyo, an older brother of Kiyohito, hold actual power over state affairs in the imperial court, and Kiyohito was raised to Jushiinoge (Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade), thereby granting Kiyohito a title of Asomi (also called Ason and Aso, referring to the second highest title in the court).
藤原仲麻呂の乱により兄道鏡が朝政の実権を掌握すると、従四位下に昇進し朝臣姓に改める。