Taninaka was born in Fuchu on September 24, 1964. After graduating from Teikyo High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Fujita Industries in 1983. He played 138 matches and scored 19 goals for the club until 1991. He moved to Regional Leagues club PJM Futures (later "Tosu Futures") in 1991. The club was promoted to Japan Football League from 1993. He retired in 1995.