Imai was born in Kyoto on November 19, 1950. After graduating from Doshisha University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Towa Real Estate (later "Fujita Industries") in 1973. The club won the league champions in 1977 and 1979. The club also won 1977 and 1979 Emperor's Cup. He retired in 1980. He played 139 games and scored 3 goals in the league. He was selected "Japanese Footballer of the Year" awards in 1980 and Best Eleven for 4 years in a row (1977-1980).