In August 1979, when Tanaka was a Chuo University student, he was selected the Japan U-20 national team for 1979 World Youth Championship and he played all 3 games. In March 1980, he was selected the Japan national team for 1980 Summer Olympics qualification. At this qualification, on March 30, he debuted against Malaysia. In December, he also played at 1982 World Cup qualification. In 1984, he played at 1984 Summer Olympics qualification for the first time in 3 years. In 1985, he also played at 1986 World Cup qualification. He played 17 games for Japan until 1985.