Tani was born in Aichi Prefecture on November 13, 1968. After graduating from University of Tsukuba, he joined Japan Soccer League club Hitachi (later "Kashiwa Reysol") in 1991. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and the club joined new league, Japan Football League. The club won the 2nd place in 1992 and 1994 Japan Football League. The club was promoted to J1 League from 1995. He retired end of 1995 season.