Later, his ability of kemari was appreciated by Emperor Goshirakawa who loved performing arts, he was added to the aides together with FUJIWARA no Moronaga and MINAMOTO no Sukekata when the emperor retired.
その後、芸能を愛する後白河天皇に蹴鞠の才能を認められ、藤原師長・源資賢とともに院近臣に加えられた。