A native of Gunma prefecture, Kawagishi graduated from the 15th class of the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1903.

Kawagishi briefly went into the reserves, but was recalled in 1929 to assume command of the 1st Guards Regiment.

He was promoted to major general in August 1931 and again became Aide-de-Camp to Emperor Hirohito until 1934.

He subsequently served as commander of the IJA 11th Independent Mixed Brigade from 1935 to 1936 and was assigned to command the IJA 20th Division in Korea later in the year, After the outbreak of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident Kawagishi moved his division into northern China, participating in the Beiping–Hankou Railway Operation under the North China Area Army.

He returned to Japan in 1938 to be the Commander in Chief of the Eastern District Army until 1939 when he retired.