Shirayanagi studied at Sophia University, earning a degree in philosophy in 1951 and a specialization in theology in 1954.
In 1994, Pope John Paul II created him a Cardinal with the title of Cardinal-Priest of Santa Emerenziana a Tor Fiorenza.
[4] Cardinal Shirayanagi was hospitalized at the beginning of August 2009 for cardiac arrhythmia, then suffered a light cerebral hemorrhage.
[3] Pope Benedict XVI recalled Cardinal Shirayanagi's continued commitment "to spreading the Gospel, .... his work promoting justice and peace and his tireless efforts for the refugees.
"[4] Shirayanagi was an honorary member of AV Edo-Rhenania zu Tokio, a Catholic student fraternity that is affiliated with Cartellverband.