He was very close to Nobunaga ODA and Mitsuhide AKECHI, and it is said that when Nobunaga burnt down Mt. Hiei, he grew uneasy about burning down Enryaku-ji Temple and visited Kanemi for a consultation.
織田信長や明智光秀と親密であり、比叡山焼き討ちのとき、延暦寺を焼く事に不安を抱いた信長が相談に訪れたとされる。