Итабаси
Kawai was born in Itabashi, Tokyo on July 14, 1978. After graduating from high school, he joined J1 League club Urawa Reds in 1997. However he could not play at all in the match until 1999 and the club was relegated to J2 League end of 1999 season. In 2000, he debuted in May and played many matches as defensive midfielder under manager Kazuo Saito. The club was also returned to J1 end of 2000 season. However Kawai could hardly play in the match under new manager from 2001. He was sacked end of 2002 season.