a free trip to the United States through a raffle at a shopping mall in Tokyo, Tanaka began traveling with punk bands in the United States and Europe. He acquired his first camera from one of the band members while on the road and began documenting tour life.

He has won the Cosmos Arles PDF Award at Les Rencontres d’Arles (France) and the TPD Book Award (Italy), among other accolades. He has been a finalist and nominee for several prestigious awards, including the World Press Photo Global Talent, Book Award at PHotoESPAÑA, Gomma Photography Grant, and Kassel Dummy Award. Tanaka has received multiple grants and participated in residency programs across the US, Europe, and Asia. He has published seven monographs in America, Europe, and Asia.