On June 7, 1992, Maekawa debuted for the Japan national team against Wales. In 1992, he was selected the Japan for 1992 Asian Cup which held in Japan and Japan team won the champions. At the Asian Cup, although he was a reserve goalkeeper, he played semifinal and final instead a regular goalkeeper Shigetatsu Matsunaga who received a red card in semifinal. Maekawa played 17 games for Japan until 1996.