[2] His father Todd was the only son of Japanese immigrant parents and he played college ice hockey at the University of British Columbia.

[4] Growing up in British Columbia, Kawaguchi played for the Abbotsford Minor Hockey Association before joining the U15 Pursuit of Excellence prep program in Kelowna.

[6] However, he committed to play for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the 2012–13 season, where he recorded nine goals and nine assists as the team finished last in the Mainland Division.

As an undrafted free agent, Kawaguchi turned professional in agreeing to a one-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on March 31, 2021.

[13] Following his first three full professional seasons in North America, Kawaguchi moved abroad a free agent in signing a one-year contract with Irish based club, Belfast Giants of the EIHL, on July 29, 2024.