Born at the foot of the Kora Mountain, Hironobu Kaneko graduated from Akiyoshi Junior High School. He attended the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and finished his studies in the western painting department in 1924. Kaneko studied under Sōtarō Yasui, developing from a realistic style to impressionism. In the 1920s he returned home for some time but moved to Tokyo when the success of fellow painter Saeki Yūzō in France became apparent. Kaneko’s first major exhibition came at the 17th Nika held by The Second Society in 1928. After presenting at the exhibitions of the Ichisuikai art group and winning their award, he later became a group member. He was also invited to show his paintings at the New Bunten Exhibition. Kaneko continued to produce paintings after World War II as a member of Ichisuikai.