After working as a musical advisor post their 1967 debut, he moved to the United States in July 1968, with assistance from Watanabe Productions and the band members.
In March 1969, after bassist Katsumi Kahashi departed The Tigers, Kishibe was recalled by his older brother Ittoku and became a new member.
Though tasked with guitar duties as Kahashi's successor, Kishibe, unable to actually play, would pretend to do so during performances.
His induction into The Tigers, despite his lack of musical experience, was reportedly due to a plot orchestrated by Watanabe Productions, wherein Ittoku's younger brother would "save" the group amidst a crisis.
Assisted by a wheelchair and brought on stage by Hitomi Minoru, he sang The Beatles' "Yesterday" alongside Katsumi Kahashi on guitar and brother Ittoku Kishibe on bass.