Tomiko played an important role in strengthening the Hino family's relationship with the Shogunate and enabling it to grow ever more powerful.

When Tomiko's social and political status rose after her marriage to Ashikaga Yoshimasa, she decided to stay active in the shogunal government.

Later she placed the blame for the child's death on Yoshimasa's wet nurse, Imamairi no Tsubone, who was later exiled to Oki Island on Lake Biwa, where she committed suicide.

However, since Tomiko had not given birth to an heir, Yoshimasa convinced his younger brother Ashikaga Yoshimi to succeed him, first in office and then gradually claiming the title of Shogun.

She lent large sums of money to daimyos on both sides, accumulating a fortune estimated at 60 billion yen in today's value.

Around 1471, rumors spread about a secret affair between Tomiko and Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado, who was taking refuge in the Muromachi Tei.

In 1473, after the deaths of Yamana Sozen and Hosokawa Katsumoto, and Yoshimasa's retirement, Tomiko effectively became the leader of the shogunate.