Claim: Gikai was one of several influential groups in Dōgen's school and in 1267 Gikai succeeded Ejō.
Evidence: Among this group were Gikai, Gien and Giin, who were to become influential members of Dōgen's school. In 1267 Ejō retired as Abbot of Eihei-ji, giving way to Gikai, who was already favored by Dogen.