In September 1997, Nakanishi was selected the Japan national team for 1998 World Cup qualification. At this qualification, on September 7, he debuted against Uzbekistan. At 1998 World Cup, he played in the first two games as left back of three defense with Masami Ihara and Yutaka Akita. However he received a yellow card in both games, he was suspended in the third game. He played 14 games for Japan until 2002.