Arai Hakuseki
Whereas his predecessor, Yoshimichi, had enjoyed the high regard of the 6th shōgun Tokugawa Ienobu, Tsugutomo was viewed with suspicion by senior shogunal retainers Manabe Akifusa and Arai Hakuseki, as Tsugutomo had the closest claim by direct descent to the position of shōgun, and the 7th shōgun Tokugawa Ietsugu had no heirs. Tsugutomo's position was also bolstered by the fact that his official wife was the daughter of the "kampaku" Konoe Iehiro, with ties to the powerful faction led by Tenei-in within the "Ōoku" of Edo Castle. Despite his blood ties and political connections, Tsugutomo was bypassed by the shogunal succession, and Tokugawa Yoshimune from Kii Domain was selected to become 8th shōgun instead.