This species hides under logs and rocks or forest litter, foraging at night and on rainy days in broad-leaved evergreen and mixed forests (Sato 1943). It is found away from streams during the non-breeding season (Sato 1943). Breeding occurs from March to early June and egg sacs are attached to stones under the water in small mountain streams (up to 2 m wide) (Tominaga et al. 2019). Larvae feed in the stream and usually metamorphose in autumn at a medium size (SVL = 23.4–26.4 mm). Most larvae metamorphose in Autumn of the same year, but some overwinter and can be found the following spring (Tominaga et al. 2019).

Following taxonomic revision, the range of this species has been greatly reduced and it is now considered to be restricted to the Sefuri and Tara mountains in western Fukuoka, Saga and northern Nagasaki Prefectures, in northwestern Kyushu, Japan. It occurs from 300-1,000 m asl. The extent of occurrence (EOO) derived from this updated distribution is 4,130 km², which is thought to contain 2-5 threat-defined locations.

Conservation Actions In-Place
Its distribution overlaps with several protected areas, but the species has not as of yet been confirmed as occurring within their boundaries. It has been designated as Endangered in the Japanese Red List.

Conservation Needed
Trade in this species needs to be closely monitored and regulated. Regulation of further construction of debris dams and roads in the species' habitat is essential to stop further population declines in their range. Protection and management of the habitat of this species is essential for this species' conservation. 

Research Needed
Conservation genetic research and further information on this species' life history are needed. Monitoring of the harvest trends as well as the population status is recommended.