Cho U, Naoki Hane, Keigo Yamashita and Takao make up the group of players in Japan called the "Four Heavenly Kings".

Takao’s rivalry with Keigo began in August 1986 during a televised match.

Takao beat Yamashita in the Shinjin-O semi-final, going on to defeat Nakamura Shinya in the final.

In 1998, this time in the final of the Shinjin-O, Yamashita beat Takao 2-1 to capture the title.

Their title matches would continue to go back and forth, with Takao getting the latest strike by beating Yamashita in the challenger’s final for the Judan in 2003.