In July 1996, Tanaka was selected for the
Japanese U-23 team for the
1996 Summer Olympics. He played in all 3 of Japan's matches as they were eliminated in the group stage, despite two wins, including one against
Brazil. It was known as the "Miracle of Miami" (
マイアミの奇跡) in Japan. On April 25, 2004, Tanaka debuted for the
Japan national team against
Hungary. At the
2004 AFC Asian Cup in
China, he played all 6 matches as Japan won the title. He also represented Japan at the
2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. In 2006, he was called up for Japan's
2006 FIFA World Cup squad, but had to withdraw after sustaining a thigh injury prior to the tournament. In total, he played 32 matches for the national team. ==Managerial career==