Kikuin was ordained as a Bhikkhu (full monk) at the Enkaku-ji temple (円覚寺) in Shuri.
After he returned to Ryukyu, he was appointed abbot of Tennō-ji temple (天王寺).
In the spring of 1609, Satsuma invaded Ryukyu and captured the strategically important Nakijin Castle.
Kikuin went there to request a peace negotiation together with a Japanese tea master named Kian, but they were arrested by Satsuma troops.
After the war, he was taken to Kagoshima Castle together with King Shō Nei and a number of high officials by Satsuma troops.