ushio was born in shimane prefecture. after his graduation in 1907 from the law school of tokyo imperial university with a major in constitutional law, he entered the home ministry. he rose rapidly within the ministry, serving as bureau director for health and welfare, and bureau director for local affairs. in 1928, he became vice-minister. in 1931, he was appointed under-secretary for the house of peers. in 1932, he returned to the home ministry as vice-minister, overseeing civil service appointment reforms, and enforcement of laws aimed at reducing election fraud issues.