In December 1989, when Sakata was 18 years old, she was selected the Japan national team for 1989 AFC Championship. At this competition, on December 24, she debuted against Nepal. She was a member of Japan for 1991 and 1995 World Cup. She also played at 1990 Asian Games, 1991, 1993 and 1995 AFC Championship. She played 10 games for Japan until 1996.