Arai was born in Etajima on October 24, 1950. After graduating from Hiroshima Technical High School, he joined Furukawa Electric in 1969. In 1976, the club won Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1977 JSL Cup. He retired in 1978. He played 124 games and scored 17 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven 4 times (1971, 1973, 1974 and 1976).