Born in Osaka, Fukuhara was the adoptive son of composer and record producer Fukuhara Chöki [ja].

[2] He is considered a pioneer in fusing traditional Okinawan style with elements from other popular genres such as classical music, rhythm & blues and bossa nova,[1][3] and his peculiar compositions are known as "Fukuhara Melodies" ("普久原メロディー").

[2] Fukuhara made his professional debut in 1961, and during his career composed over 500 songs.

[2] Among his best known compositions is the song "Bashofu" (1965), which was recorded by popular artists such as Rimi Natsukawa and Tokiko Kato.

[2][4] Fukuhara died of aortic stenosis on 1 November 2022, at the age of 89.