After retirement, Kawakatsu started coaching career at Tokyo Gas in 1991. In 1992, he moved to Verdy Kawasaki (later "Tokyo Verdy"). In 1997, he managed at 1997 Emperor's Cup as Valdir Espinosa successor. In September 1998, he became a manager as Nicanor de Carvalho successor. In 1999, he moved to Vissel Kobe. He was sacked in July 2002. In June 2006, he signed with Avispa Fukuoka as Hiroshi Matsuda successor. However the club was relegated to J2 League and he resigned. In 2010, he returned to Tokyo Verdy and managed until September 2012. In June 2014, he signed with Kyoto Sanga FC and managed until end of season.