While he was a high school student, he was registered as a J.League specially-designated player by Albirex Niigata.

In October 2015 of the same year, HJK exercised their option of keeping Tanaka under contract for the 2016 season.

[10] On 3 March 2020, Tanaka returned to Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi, after signing a contract until the end of July.

[13] In January 2025, Tanaka signed with newly promoted Veikkausliiga club Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat (KTP).

Tanaka was a U-20 international and took part in the 2006 AFC Youth Championship and 2007 U-20 World Cup.