The club went on to win the 2002 J.League Division 1, while Takahara became the top scorer and was elected Most Valuable Player of the year.

On 31 July 2010, he made his debut as a substitute for the 39th minute of the match against Gwangju FC.

In December 2015, along with Japanese judoka Tadahiro Nomura, Takahara founded Okinawa SV.

[6] In August 1995, Takahara was selected by the Japan U17 national team for 1995 U-17 World Championship.

In April 1999, he was also selected Japan U-20 national team for 1999 World Youth Championship.

However he missed the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by his home country and South Korea, because of lung disease (venous thrombosis).

[8] Takahara finished top scorer after an impressive performance at the 2007 Asian Cup.

Japan won the next match, against United Arab Emirates and Takahara impressed coach Ivica Osim with two goals.

In the quarterfinal match against rivals Australia, Takahara scored the tying goal and sent the game to penalty kicks.

Although Takahara missed his spot-kick, saves from goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi sent Japan through into the semifinals, where they lost to Saudi Arabia 3–2.