Loud, hotheaded, and easily angered, he is no stranger to picking fights. He is also somewhat of a slacker, as shown by his less-than-stellar work ethic in school and his usual lateness to practices. Despite all this, he is shown to be caring and supportive of his teammates, and even protective of his underclassmen. Tanaka doesn't take kindly to people who belittle others, as shown when he grows upset at Kei Tsukishima for trash-talking others during their first 3-on-3 match. In addition, he gets very excited and is easily won over when an underclassman calls him "senpai." Although he is usually hot-tempered, he does act civil around girls as he usually becomes polite, resists the temptation to fight, and becomes more conscious about how he comes off. Toward Kiyoko and Yachi, he can become protective of them when boys from other teams show interest.

Once he gets fired up, he is usually unstoppable on the court and uncontrollably loud, as demonstrated by his over-the-top cheering after he scores or pulls off an incredible move. He also has the tendency to take off his shirt and spin it over his head when he scores a point in practice.