Keisuke Honda
A product of Gamba Osaka U-15 alongside the Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda, Tanaka started his professional career in Japan with Omiya Ardija. He remained at the club for five seasons being selected to the Japan National Team U-21 in 2006, before joining Yokohama FC on loan in 2009. Following an impressive first season with Yokohama, Tanaka's contract was purchased by his new club. He began the 2010 season with Yokohama, but at the mid-way point of the season was sent on loan to Sagan Tosu and remained at the club for the 2011 season.