A Sengoku-era warrior and vassal of Uesugi Kenshin (he originally served Nagao Masakage at Sakato Castle).
He supported Uesugi Kagekatsu in the Otate no Ran after Kenshin's death and was appointed master of Noumine Castle for his military exploits. His eldest son, Higuchi Kanetsugu (Naoe Kanetsugu), also supported Kagekatsu.
He was succeeded by his third son Higuchi Hidekane upon his death.