The collapse of the feudal system at the start of the Meiji period brought an end to the government support previously enjoyed by Noh. Michishige's grandmother, Udaka Chiyo, was taken under the wing of an uncle when she was eighteen, after the death of her brother, Noh actor Udaka Takesaburo, and the marriage of her sister, Teruyo. Her uncle’s career eventually brought him and his family to Kyoto, where they became acquainted with KAWADA Rantaro, a doctor, and the son of Shoryo. Chiyo and Rantaro married and had five children. Their fourth child, a son, was chosen to inherit Chiyo’s maiden name, Udaka, in order to carry on her family line.
This son, Udaka Zuisei, a painter and historian, enjoyed Noh as an amateur and he encouraged his son, Michishige, to also learn chant and dance.
The boy’s talent in Noh led Zuisei to investigate the possibility of an apprenticeship. As a result, after his graduation from elementary school Michishige entered the household of KONGO Iwao II, the 25th Grand Master of the Kongo School of lead actors (shite-kata), as a live-in apprentice (uchi-deshi). In 1970 he gained his independence as a fully trained actor and began his teaching and performing career in earnest. In 1991 he was designated a representative of a National Intangible Cultural Asset by the Japanese government in recognition of his proficiency and accomplishments as a Noh performer.