Privy Seal of Japan
In 1884, he was given the title of "koshaku" (marquis) under the new "kazoku" nobility rankings, and was subsequently elevated to "koshaku" (prince). In 1891 he became Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal of Japan a post he held until Emperor Meiji's death. He felt very strongly that the Emperor should not involve himself in politics or in the decision-making process of government.