In June 1997, Yanagisawa was selected Japan U-20 national team for 1997 World Youth Championship. At this competition, he wore the number 10 shirt for Japan and played all 5 matches and scored 4 goals. On February 15, 1998, Yanagisawa debuted for Japan national team against Australia. From 1999, he was selected Japan well by manager Philippe Troussier. In September 2000, he also was selected Japan U-23 national team for 2000 Summer Olympics. He played in all 4 matches and scored a goal against United States in Quarterfinal. In October, he also played at 2000 Asian Cup and Japan won the champions. In 2002, he was selected Japan for 2002 World Cup. He played as forward with club team mate Takayuki Suzuki in 3 games. He also played at 2005 Confederations Cup and 2006 World Cup. He played 58 games and scored 17 goals for Japan until 2006.