in december 1989, when sakata was 18 years old, she was selected japan national team for 1989 afc championship. at this competition, on december 24, she debuted against nepal. she was a member of japan for 1991 and 1995 world cup. she also played at 1990 asian games, 1991, 1993 and 1995 afc championship. she played 10 games for japan until 1996.