Nobuya Kinase was born on 6 November 1919 in Tokyo. He graduated from Tokyo University of Literature and Science (now Tsukuba University) in September 1943 and then on 13 September 1943 enlisted as a Naval Cadet (Reserved Officer) with the Imperial Japanese Navy, receiving initial basic training as a fighter pilot at Tsuchiura, a WW2 Navy training base which trained in Ibaraki Prefecture,where kamikaze pilots were trained. In December that year he was promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer, Secondary Trainer, undertaking further training (Primary Course - Intermediate) at Yatabe Air Base, using a light plane for initial practise sessions, followed by Secondary Training involving practical training with Zero aircraft at Tsuchiura. In May 1944 Nobuya transferred to undertake Advanced training as a Pilot Officer/Zero Trainer at Tsukuba and in December that year was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer/Zero Trainer.

Flying Officer Kinase transferred to become a Flying Officer with the Kamikaze Corps in February 1945 and was employed concurrently as an instructor and as leader of the 4th Tsukuba-Tai (which subsequently became the 9th Tsukuba-Tai). After a time training juniors - the 14th period student pilots - he was again promoted as Flight Lieutenant Kamikaze Corps and became the instructor of the 14th Tsukuba-Tai, remaining in this position until demobilised on 20 August 1945.

Following the war Nobuya Kinase became an English textbook writer and subsequently Professor of English at Shinshu Junior College for Women.