Kawakatsu was born in Kyoto on April 5, 1958. After graduating from Hosei University, he joined Japan Soccer League Division 2 club Toshiba in 1981. In 1983, he moved to Division 1 club Yomiuri. The club won the league champions in 1983, 1984 and 1986/87. The club also won 1984, 1986, 1987 Emperor's Cup and 1985 JSL Cup. He played 61 matches until 1988. Toward the end of his career, he played for Kyoto Shiko Club (1988–1990) and Tokyo Gas (1990–1992). He retired in 1991.