After graduating from Hirosaki Junior High School Shinzo, Yamada joined the Aomori Forestry Bureau. In 1934, he won the title in Nordic combined at the All Japan Ski Championships and one year later claimed the title in the 17 km cross country. Together with the Aomori team he also clinched the relay title and was selected for the team representing Japan at the 1936 Winter Olympics at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, competing in cross country and Nordic combined. Later, served as chairman of the Aomori Prefecture Ski Federation (1960-72).