Kaneko was born in Saitama on September 12, 1959. After graduating from Teikyo High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Furukawa Electric in 1978. Initially, he could not play in many games. The club won 1982 JSL Cup. From 1985, he played as regular player and the club won 1985/86 Japan Soccer League and 1986 JSL Cup. He was also selected Best Eleven in 1985/86 and 1986/87. In Asia, the club won 1986 Asian Club Championship. This is first Asian champions as Japanese club. He played 163 matches and scored 23 goals for the club. He retired in 1992.