Tanaka was born in Saitama on September 25, 1960. After graduating from Chuo University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Nissan Motors in 1983. The club 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 Best Eleven in 1989/90. In 1990s, he lost opportunity to play in the match. He moved to J1 League club Urawa Reds in 1992 and Japan Football League club Kyoto Purple Sanga in 1994. He retired in 1995.