In 2012, Sakai was selected the Japan U-23 national team for 2012 Summer Olympics. He played 4 matches and Japan won the 4th place. On September 6, 2012, he debuted for the Japan national team against United Arab Emirates. After the debut, he battles with Yuto Nagatomo, Atsuto Uchida and Hiroki Sakai for the left and right side back. He participated 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup. However he did not play in the match both tournament. In 2015, he participated 2015 Asian Cup and played 4 matches as right side back. In 2018, he was selected Japan for 2018 World Cup. He played 1 match and Japan qualified to the knockout stage. After the 2018 World Cup, he retired from Japan national team. He played 42 games for Japan until 2018.