Kimura was born in Hiroshima on July 19, 1958. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Nissan Motors (later Yokohama Marinos) in 1981. From 1982, he wore the number 10 shirt. He was selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards in 1983 and 1984. The club also won 1983 and 1985 Emperor's Cup. From 1988 to 1990, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup for 2 years in a row. He was also selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards again 1989. In 1990s, the club won 1990 JSL Cup, 1991 and 1992 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won 1991–92 and 1992–93 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. He was a central player in golden era in club history. He retired in 1994. He played 251 games and scored 51 goals in the league. He was selected Japanese Footballer of the Year awards 3times and Best Eleven 5 times.
Kimura became a manager for Yokohama F. Marinos in 2010. In 2011, although the club compete for the champions till half way, the club stalled in the late stages and finished 5th place. He was sacked end of 2011 season.