Maeda played for the Japan U-20 at the 2001 World Youth Championship. On August 22, 2007, he debuted for the Japan national team against Cameroon. In 2011, he was selected the Japan for 2011 Asian Cup. He played all 6 matches and scored 3 goals, and Japan won the champions. He also became a regular player from the 2011 Asian Cup. He also played at 2013 Confederations Cup. He played 33 games and scored 10 goals for Japan until 2013.