Since his promising eldest son Yoshimichi KUJO, who was a Naidaijin (Minister of the Center), had passed away at a young age, Kanezane put his efforts toward his second son, Yoshitsune KUJO, who was under his tutelage while Kanezane grieved for his loss.
また、将来を嘱望されていた長男内大臣九条良通が早世したことから、これを悲しみながらも次男九条良経の薫陶に力を注いだ。