Onnami inherited the leadership of Zeami's Kanze school.[1] The appointment was made by the Shogunate, although the troupes were traditionally hereditary.[2] Zeami initially opposed Onnami's leadership of the troupe, but he eventually acquiesced.[36] Zeami believed that his line had died with Motomasa, but Onnami felt that he continued the line.[39] Zeami gave his completed works to Konparu Zenchiku, rather than to Onnami.[39]