Born in Edo in 1856. He was adopted by Iwai Shijaku II, who gave him the name of Iwai Hisajirô III. He took the name of Iwai Kumesaburô IV in February 1872 at the Moritaza, playing in the drama "Yuki to Miru Sakiwake Genji". He was requested by his adopted father, who was also the son-in-law of the zamoto Nakamura Kanzaburô XIII to become from July 1879 a manager of the Nakamuraza for a few years. He died the 15th of July 1886.