Emperor Shoko had no son and Prince Sadafusa was rumored to be the next ruler. This brought about estrangement between the emperor and the prince. Ex-Emperor Gokomatsu, concerned about the situation, persuaded the prince to become a priest. Prince Sadafusa assumed the priest name oi Ookin.
In 1428, his son, Prince Hikohito, ascended the Throne (Emperor Gohanazono). Sadafusa was well-educated and deplored the decay of waka poetry and music of his time. He was posthumously granted the title of emperor.