Kimotsuki Kanehiro served as a bushō during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.  He was a retainer of the Shimazu clan and served as the lord of Kajiki Castle in Ōsumi Province.

In 1585, Kanehiro was born as the son of Ijūin Tadamune.  Later, upon the fervent request of Tadamune, Kanehiro was adopted by Kimotsuki Kanehiro (written with a different character) who did not have a natural heir but did have a younger brother named Kimotsuki Kaneatsu.

In 1590, after the death of his adoptive father, Kanehiro inherited the headship of the Kiire-Kimotsuki clan.

On 3/9 of Keichō 4 (1599), Tadamune was slayed by a sword by Shimazu Tadatsune at the Shimazu residence in Fushimi.  In the wake of the killing, Kanehiro’s older brother, Ijūin Tadazane, launched a rebellion in Hyūga Province against the Shimazu.  This event is known as the Shōnai Rebellion.  At this time, Kanehiro separated from the Kiire-Kimotsuki while Kimotsuki Kaneatsu succeeded to the headship of the clan.

On 8/17 of Keichō 7 (1602), Tadazane was killed and Kanehiro was purged along with other members of the Ijūin family.