Born in 1149 as the sixth son of Fujiwara no Tadamichi, he was raised in the prestigious regent-family tradition and excelled in scholarship and poetry. He served as both regent (sessho) and chancellor (kanpaku). He actively cultivated an alliance with Minamoto no Yoritomo, serving as the key intermediary between the court and the emerging warrior government. Yoritomo supported Kanezane as a political patron, and when Retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa died in 1191, Kanezane became kanpaku and reached the apex of court politics. However, Minamoto no Michichika (Tsuchimikado Michichika) emerged as a rival, won Emperor Go-Toba's trust, and engineered Kanezane's dismissal and disgrace in 1196. In his later years he became a devoted follower of Honen's Pure Land teachings—his political patronage was crucial for Honen's ability to continue preaching in Kyoto. He died in 1207. His lifelong diary "Gyokuyo" is one of the most essential primary sources for late Heian and early Kamakura political, cultural, and social history.

A learned and sincere courtier who valued righteousness over political scheming—which led to his downfall against craftier rivals. Deeply religious and upright.

"Gyokuyo" meticulously recorded the Genpei War and court affairs, becoming a foundational source for the era. The Kujo house endured as one of the five regent families.