Born in 1506 as the son of Yokose Yasushige, he later changed his surname from Yokose to Yura. Based at Nitta Kanayama Castle, he expanded his power in Kozuke Province, and in March 1573, after conflict with Kiryu Chikatsuna, lord of Kiryu Castle, he captured Hishakuyama Castle and destroyed the Kiryu clan, ending its 224-year rule. The following year he handed Kanayama Castle to his heir Kuninari and retired to Hishakuyama Castle himself, where he founded Hosenji Temple, carried out renovations including stone walls, and is said to have governed benevolently. He died in Kiryu on June 30, 1578, at age 73. His wife Myoinni later became famous as the formidable woman who commanded the defense of Kanayama Castle under siege.

A cunning Sengoku commander who combined political acumen with skill in castle construction, overwhelming neighboring rivals. Even after retiring he showed administrative ability by developing the castle town.

As the figure who established firm control over Kiryu, the ruins of Hishakuyama Castle and Yura Shigenari's grave remain preserved as historic sites in Kiryu City today.