In August 1979, Yamaguchi was selected the Japan U-20 national team for 1979 World Youth Championship. However he did not play in the match, as he was the team's reserve goalkeeper behind Yasuhito Suzuki. In February 1981, although Yamaguchi did not play at his club, he was selected the Japan national team because Japan's manager Saburo Kawabuchi actively appointed young players. On February 19, Yamaguchi debuted for Japan national team against Singapore.