He was born the son of Naozaemonhidetaka GODAI who was one of the authors of "Sangoku Meishozue" (Geography of Southern Kyushu, compiled during the late-Edo period) and Bugyo (magistrate) in charge of recording, and later he moved out and set up a new branch family.
『三国名勝図会』の執筆者で記録奉行の五代直左衛門秀尭の子として生まれ、後に分家する。