Born in 1896 (Meiji 29) in Ibe-mae, Ibe-mura, Waki County, Okayama Prefecture. His real name was Isamu, the eldest son of Maki Saburo Kanashige. He studied bird and animal crafts with his father from his youth, and began researching Kobizen pottery in the early Showa period (1926-1989).
In 1959, he received the Chugoku Cultural Prize from the Chugoku Shimbun, followed by the Cultural Prize from the Sanyo Shimbun and Okayama Shimbun, and in 1966, he received the Medal with Purple Ribbon and was invited to teach at the University of Hawaii Summer University.
He died on November 6, 1967, at the age of 71. He was awarded the Fourth Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. He was the founder of the Bizen ware industry.
