He was killed in action during the eastern New Guinea campaign during the Pacific War.

[1][2] Uehara was born as Rikiji Matsumoto in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

[2] He graduated from Senshu University, and made his professional debut with the song "Tsukimi Odori" (月見踊り, lit.

His vocal style, called kobushi, became popular as the more emphatic form among modern enka singers.

[3] Uehara became a soldier in 1943, went to New Guinea, and was killed in battle on July 29, 1944.