Yamada was a member of the Japan U-20 national team for the 1995 World Youth Championship. He played all 4 matches as right midfielder and scored a goal against Burundi. On November 20, 2002, he debuted for the Japan national team against Argentina. In 2003, he played most matches as right side-back including 2003 Confederations Cup. He played 15 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 2004.