On April 25, 2004, Tanaka debuted for Japan national team against Hungary. After the debut, he played many matches as center back. At 2004 Asian Cup, he played all 6 matches and Japan won the champions. In 2005, he also played many matches including 2006 World Cup qualification and 2005 Confederations Cup. In 2006, he was called up for Japan's 2006 World Cup team, but had to withdraw after sustaining a thigh injury in the run-up to the tournament. He played 32 games for Japan until 2006.