Kawachi was born in Hiroshima Prefecture on April 27, 1955. After graduating from Osaka University of Commerce, he joined his local club Toyo Industries (later "Mazda") in 1978. Although the club won the 2nd place in 1978 Emperor's Cup, the club performance was not good and he also played in Division 2. He retired in 1987. He played 92 games and scored 11 goals in Division 1.