Bifukumon'in was the beloved consort of Toba, and the mother of Konoe. Powerful and ambitious, her status as an imperial favorite gave her access to Toba, and his devotion to her gave her a great deal of influence. She was responsible for the accession of Nijô, who was her adopted son. Through her wish to have Nijô placed on the throne, his father was named crown prince and acceded. He stepped down three years later, presumably at Bifukumon'in's request (Hurst, 1974, p 77). Furthermore, friction between Bifukumon'in and Yorinaga eventually led to his exile and subsequent revolt at the side of Sutoku in the Hôgen disturbance.
Kenreimon'in is less important for her political influence as for her role in the Heike Monogatari. The main focus of the Initiate's Chapter, she was the mother of Antoku, daughter of Kiyomori, and imperial favorite of Takakura. Her influence did not seem to be very great, but whether that was due to her lack of interest or ability is difficult to say. Go-Shirakawa and Kiyomori held the court so firmly between them that it would have been difficult for anyone to have any significant impact on political matters. Kenreimon'in is described in Heike Monogatari as being a radiant beauty, and the Initiate's Chapter Illustrates her refinement and intelligence. She speaks of her life as a metaphor for the six realms, and supposedly went on to be reborn in the paradise of Amida (McCullough, 438).