Son of Kaji Harutsuna, vassal of the Uesugi Clan. His mother was Uesugi Kenshin's younger sister. Master of Kaji Castle.

He fought several times in the Battles of Kawanakajima and distinguished himself in battle. He supported Uesugi Kagetora in the Otate no Ran after Kenshin's death. He surrendered to Kagekatsu's side when Shibata Shigeie and Ijimino Nobumune attacked Kaji Castle, but later fought against Kagekatsu once more when Shibata Shigeie rebelled against Kagekatsu in 1581. Before Kagekatsu attacked Shibata Castle, he first attacked Kaji Castle, and Hidetsuna died in battle in 1587.