In 2004, Abe was selected the Japan U-23 national team for 2004 Summer Olympics. He played all 3 matches and scored 1 goal. On January 29, 2005, he debuted for the Japan national team against Kazakhstan. However he was not selected the Japan for the 2006 World Cup. After the 2006 World Cup, he played many matches under new manager Ivica Osim. He played at 2007 Asian Cup. Although his opportunity to play decreased under manager Takeshi Okada from 2008, Abe was selected the Japan for the 2010 World Cup. He played all 4 matches as defensive midfielder. He played 53 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 2011.