Maekawa was born in Hirado on March 22, 1968. After graduating from Hirado High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mazda (later "Sanfrecce Hiroshima") in 1986. He became a regular goalkeeper from 1989. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and the club joined new league, J1 League. The club won the 2nd place in 1994. However he lost his regular position behind young player Takashi Shimoda from 1998. In 2000, he moved to J2 League club Oita Trinita and played for the club in 2 seasons. He retired end of the 2001 season.