Born in Tokyo in 1916, he was a pioneering clarinetist in the Japanese classical music scene, playing a crucial role in various aspects, including performance and education, as one of the leading figures from its early days for many years. He began playing the clarinet during his time at Seijo Gakuen High School and entered the Tokyo Academy of Music (now Tokyo University of the Arts). After graduation, he joined the Toho Symphony Orchestra (now Tokyo Symphony Orchestra) in 1948, after stints with the Tokyo Broadcasting Orchestra and the Tokyo Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra (now Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra), and remained with the orchestra until 1986, when he was 70 years old. In the field of education, he primarily nurtured younger generations at Toho Gakuen, where he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor. He also educated students at Tokyo University of the Arts, Yamagata University, Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Nihon University, Soai University, and Saitama Daiichi High School (now Kaichi High School).

His younger brother, Noriyo Kitazume, is a violist. His eldest daughter, Yayoi Kitazume, eldest son, Michio Kitazume, and grandson, Hiromichi Kitazume, are composers.