Kawasaki was born in what is now part of the city of Kure, Hiroshima as the second son of a local doctor.

He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University’s Law School, continuing on to do post-graduate research in comparative political systems before obtaining a post at the Home Ministry.

Later in 1924, Kawasaki was recalled to Tokyo to assume the post of Director-General of the National Police Agency under the Home Ministry.

In 1929, Kawasaki served in the Hamaguchi administration as Director-General of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau.

[1] This choice was opposed by the Imperial Japanese Army, who wanted control over that powerful ministry, and Kawasaki was sidelined to become Minister of Commerce and Industry.