Hosotani was born in Hyogo Prefecture on January 21, 1946. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mitsubishi Motors in 1969. The club won the champions in 1969 Japan Soccer League and 1971 Emperor's Cup. In 1973, the club won Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup. In 1978, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup. He retired in 1978. He played 140 games and scored 58 goals in the league.