Shigenobu was a pupil of Hokusai, whose daughter he married, subsequently becoming adopted into the family. After marital problems forced a separation, however, he returned to his own family. He was active in Edo from the Bunka period (1804-1818) onward. His Osaka period dated from 1822 to 1825. More prolific as a designer of surimono, illustrated books and illustrations for novels than single-sheet prints or paintings, he was very influential on Ukiyo-e circles in the Osaka-Kyoto area. Shigenobu designed approximately thirty fine surimono, mainly for the Tsuru-ren (Crane group) leaded by Tsurunoya, with blocks cut and printed by Seikô