In November 2008, Tanaka was selected by the Japan U-20 national team for the 2008 U-20 World Cup. In March 2011, Tanaka was selected by the Japan national team for the 2011 Algarve Cup. At this competition, on March 4, she debuted against Finland. In July, she played at the 2011 World Cup as Japan won the championship. She also played at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2015 World Cup. Japan won the 2nd place at both tournaments. She played 39 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 2016.