Tulio obtained his Japanese citizenship in October 2003. He played for Japan U-23 national team at the 2004 Olympic Games. He played as center back in full time in all 3 matches. On August 9, 2006, he debuted for the Japan national team under new manager Ivica Osim against Trinidad and Tobago which is Japan's first match after the 2006 World Cup. He played many matches for center back with Yuji Nakazawa. He was selected the Japan for 2010 World Cup. He played in full time in all 4 matches. He played 43 games and scored 8 goals for Japan until 2010.