Tanaka was born in Shizuoka on August 8, 1975. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined J1 League club Júbilo Iwata in 1994. From 1997, he became a regular player as center back and central player in golden era in the club history. The club won many title 1997, 1999, 2002 J1 League, 1998 J.League Cup and 2003 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the champions 1998–99 Asian Club Championship and the 2nd place 1999–00 and 2000–01 Asian Club Championship. He left the club end of 2008 season for generational change. He moved to J2 League club Avispa Fukuoka in 2009. The club won the 3rd place in 2010 and was promoted to J1 League. He retired end of the 2011 season.