In 2004, Tanaka was selected the Japan U-23 national team for 2004 Summer Olympics and played all 3 matches. In 2005, he was selected the Japan national team for 2005 East Asian Football Championship. At this tournament, he debuted against North Korea on July 31. He played several matches every season including 2010 World Cup qualification. He played 16 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 2009.