Born in 1175, son of Hojo Tokimasa and half-brother (by a different mother) of Yoshitoki. Skilled in both martial arts and court culture, he was celebrated as a kemari master. He served Minamoto no Yoritomo and supported the early shogunate under Yoshitoki and Masako. In the Jokyu War (1221) he commanded the Tokaido army, coordinating with Yasutoki's Hokuriku forces, breached the Uji River defenses, and occupied Kyoto. After the war he became the first Northern Rokuhara Tandai, overseeing Kyoto security and monitoring the imperial court. In 1225, when his nephew Yasutoki became the third regent, the new office of Rensho (co-regent) was created to strengthen collective leadership, and Tokifusa was appointed its first holder. The establishment of this institution is highly regarded as a step toward balanced governance. He also participated in drafting the Joei Code (1232) with Yasutoki, contributing to the development of samurai law. He died in 1240 at age 66.

Gentle and sociable. Well-versed in Kyoto culture including kemari, skilled in negotiations with court nobles. A reliable supporter behind his brother Yoshitoki and nephew Yasutoki.

As the first Rensho, he helped institutionalize the regent system. Also remembered in cultural history as a kemari master, bridging warrior and courtier worlds.