 At the end of the Sino-Japanese War, Chiba's family lived in the attic of a work-acquaintance of his father until they could find a way to get back to Japan.Chiba was known for publishing his works in both shōnen and shōjo magazines.Chiba made his professional debut in 1967 with his manga "Sabu to Chibi" while working as an assistant to his older brother, Tetsuya.