Fuminori Tanada studied composition, music theory, and accompaniment with Yoshio Hachimura and Henriette Puig-Roget at the Tokyo University of the Arts. From 1984 to 1987, he held a scholarship from the French government, allowing him to study with Claude Ballif, Paul Méfano, Serge Nigg, and Betsy Jolas at the Paris Conservatoire. Upon graduating cum laude in composition, orchestration, and accompaniment, he undertook an advanced degree in composition at the same institution. As the pianist of the Ensemble l'Itinéraire, Tanada is very active as a performer of contemporary repertoire.

Notable works in Tanada's catalogue include Miroirs for twelve musicians (1989, premiered by 2e2m, conducted by Paul Méfano), Chants des Lumières I for alto saxophone and orchestra (1991, premiered by Jean-Marc Pongy and the Orchestre du Conservatoire, conducted by Pascal Rophé), F for flute (1991, premiered by Pierre-Yves Artaud), and the Mysterious Morning series comprising I for harp (1995), II for saxophone quartet (1996), III for soprano saxophone (1996), and IV for two harps and ensemble (1996-1997). More recent works include Echoing Forest for solo clarinet (2007), Echoing Forest II for violin and piano (2007), Echoing Waves I for two trumpets (2009), Echoing Waves II for saxhorn (or euphonium) and piano (2009), a new version of his Quartet with Flute, and a revised/extended version of his Sextet.