Kuwahara was born in Hiroshima on December 22, 1942. After graduating from Chuo University, he joined his local club Toyo Industries in 1965. The club won Japan Soccer League champions 5 times (1965, 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1970). The club also won 1965, 1967 and 1969 Emperor's Cup. He retired in 1972. He played 94 games and scored 53 goals in the league.