In March 1954, Naganuma was selected for the Japan national team for 1954 World Cup qualification.

At this qualification, on 7 March, he debuted and scored a goal against South Korea.

In 1962, when he was 32 years old, he was named as the manager for Japan national team as Hidetoki Takahashi's successor.

This is the first time an Asian team won a medal at Olympics.

In 2018, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.

In 1969, he resigned after 1970 World Cup qualification and Okano was promoted to new manager.

He managed 1974 World Cup qualification and 1974 Asian Games.