Yoshikawa was born in Yamakawa, Awa Province (currently Yoshinogawa, Tokushima) as the son of a local samurai.

Yoshikawa's plan called for a system of wide boulevards and canals radiating out from the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Emperor Meiji expressed reservations over the appointment, but was convinced by Yamagata that the choice of the conservative Yoshikawa was suitable.

After his term ended in July 1903, he announced that he would be leaving public service; however, he accepted the post of Home Minister again in February 1904, serving until September 1905.

However, in 1917, he was forced to resign his positions and retire from public life over a major scandal caused by his 4th daughter Kamako.

The revelation of her adultery across class lines brought vehement condemnation from the press and Yoshikawa's peers, and forced his retirement from public life.