Prior to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), "Shōni" was originally a title and post within the Kyūshū (Dazaifu) government, roughly translating to "Junior Counselor", and working under a Daini (大弐).

When Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura shogunate in 1185, he reorganized the administration of Kyūshū.

The post of Chinzei Bugyō replaced that of Daini, and the Shōni were similarly pushed out of their traditional hereditary position; members of the family were, however, still granted various other important posts in the region.

Members of the family would play an important role in commanding the defense against the Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281.

They would later ally with Ashikaga Takauji and the Northern Court in the Nanboku-chō Wars of the 14th century.