He apprenticed under his uncle, Kanjiro Kawai, in pottery from 1927. For nearly 40 years thereafter, until Kanjiro's death, he received guidance, inheriting Kanjiro's Mingei art, including Gosu, shinsa, ame glaze, and iron glaze. In 1976, he built the Nantan Kiln (climbing kiln and gas kiln) in Kameoka City, Kyoto. Born as the eldest son, Toru studied under his father, Takeichi Kawai, and his great-uncle, Kanjiro Kawai. He continues to create works with unique shapes and patterns in the Kameoka climbing kiln, adhering to three teachings: "Making things is like being a Shugenja (ascetic mountain monk)," "While there are people who want to do pottery but cannot, I am able to create. I must create works that people in the world can use," and "There is no easy job. Without complaining, find joy in your work."