Tanaka was born in Saitama on November 2, 1955. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Nippon Kokan (later "NKK") in 1978. The club won the champions at 1980 JSL Cup and 1981 Emperor's Cup. From 1985, the club won the 2nd place for 3 years in a row in the league and won the champions 1987 JSL Cup. He retired in 1989.