Tanaka (29), the Highlanders and Otago halfback, has had two years with both Otago and the Highlanders but the time has now come to return to Japan.
He said that with Panasonic team-mate Nick Ealey trying his luck in Dunedin club rugby with an eye to making the Otago team, his club side just outside Tokyo needed a No9 and he would provide that, returning to play Japanese club rugby after the end of the Highlanders season.
But he would really miss New Zealand, the rugby and, most of all, the people.
Tanaka, who is one of the more popular members of the Highlanders, said he was hoping to come back to New Zealand and gain permanent residency.
His wife, Tomoni Tanaka, a badminton player of note, really loved New Zealand and wanted to stay in the country.
The couple's daughter Emma (8 months) was thriving and the couple were enjoying the southern lifestyle.
He admitted he needed to improve his English, which he said was getting a bit better but still had some way to go.
He was intending to enrol in English lessons when he got back to Japan.
''On the field it is fine. I have no problem. But away from there, a bit of a problem,'' he said.
He had really enjoyed the time in Otago, the highlight being Otago's Ranfurly Shield win last year against Waikato.
Tanaka has been a standout for Otago over the past couple of seasons and his ability to speed up the game has really helped Otago's high-tempo game.
He has played in every game for Otago in the past two seasons.
At 1.63m and 75kg he is the shortest and lightest player in the Super rugby competition, but he has plenty of fight and skill in him to overcome those disadvantages.
Although a regular with Otago, he has not had the same number of chances for the Highlanders.
Stuck behind All Black halfback Aaron Smith, Tanaka had only three starts last year and is yet to begin a game this season.
''It is hard not getting a start, but I just have to work hard and keep working hard.''
Tanaka, who tapes up his fingers to get a better grip on the ball, said he has made lots of friends in Dunedin.
''I love the rugby, meeting all the people. And I love going to the schools and meeting the kids.
"They are really good to me and don't mind that I can't speak English. They always support me.''
He had journeyed back to Japan five times this year to play club rugby and internationals for Japan, but he said it was never hard to come back to New Zealand.