Matsugi Hisanao was a low-ranking courtier who became an important figure for metal casters and imperial relationships during the second half of the sixteenth century. In the year 1527, the downfall of the Niimi family became the opportunity that Matsugi needed to rise above his lower nobility. Matsugi saw his chance and "entered into a contractual inheritance relationship with the then-current Niimi heir; and, as a result, succeeded to the family’s advantageous position as an agent of the court" by buying the debts of the Niimi family. Matsugi now had the power to request payments of cash or other objects in exchange for imperial patronage from metal casters. He justified his position in office by having connections with high-ranking courtiers that were directly connected with the emperor, falsifying documents, and manipulating pathways of the court. With his job, he also formed social ties with warriors by amassing funds from them because they wanted to link themselves to Matsugi and, in turn, the court.