[citation needed] Takahiro, whose childhood name was Tamekichi, was born at Matsumae Castle in Ezo (Modern Hokkaido).

In an act most unusual for a daimyō's son, his education included the study of the English language.

[citation needed] Takahiro was appointed as rōjū in November 1864; this was a post that was unheard of for a Tokugawa tozama daimyō.

The following year, he and his fellow rōjū Abe Masato were responsible for the opening of the Hyōgo port to foreign trade.

[1] Both men lost their offices, court rank, and titles, and were forced to yield lordship of their domains.