He was born in the Iwami Province of Japan and studied Go in the Hon'inbō school, becoming Meijin at a very young age.

Only a short time after receiving the Head of the Hon'inbō school he was given the post of Meijin in recognition of his unrivaled strength.

On one account, this controversial appointment (which deprived Yasui Sanchi of his official positions) was handled by the Jisha-bugyō by summoning a meeting of all concerned parties, including the shogidokoro Ōhashi Sōkei.

He took advantage of overconcentration also known as korigatachi, making that henceforth one of the key theoretical errors that players avoided.

In playing Peichin Hamahika from the Ryukyu Islands, in 1682, he gave a practical demonstration of his theories, winning easily when giving a four-stone handicap.

He taught Ogawa Dōteki, Sayama Sakugen, Hoshiai Hasseki, Kumagaya Honseki, and Kuwabara Dōsetsu.