Kawashima was called up by Japan for the first time in March 2007. He initially appeared as an unused substitute, including the Asian Cup. On 17 February 2008 Kawashima made his Japan debut in a 1–1 draw against North Korea. He made another appearance for the national side on 20 January 2009, in a 2–1 win over Yemen. By the end of 2009, Kawashima kept four clean sheets in three victories and one draw.