In 2002, he returned to Júbilo Iwata. The club went on to win the2002 J.League Division 1, while Takahara became the top scorer and was elected Most Valuable Player of the year.
In January 2008 he moved toUrawa Reds for a transfer fee of around ¥180 million (around $1.7 million).[4] Due to a disagreement with the style of coachVolker Finke, who had taken over as coach of Urawa in 2009, Takahara was leased toSuwon Samsung Bluewings of the South KoreanK League 1 in July of the following year. On 31 July 2010, he made his debut as a substitute for the 39th minute of the match againstGwangju FC. On 29 August, he scored a goal in the 39th minute of the second half of the game againstFC Seoul. He helped victorious game 4-2 and won the MVP in this game.
In December 2015, along with JapanesejudokaTadahiro Nomura, Takahara foundedOkinawa SV.[5] He served not only as club's president, but also played and captained the club. On 27 November 2022, he brought his club a first-time promotion for theJapan Football League, after a 4–0 over FC Kariya led them to finish as runners-up at the2022 Regional Champions League. He featured in the match as a late substitution. On 31 August 2023, Takahara announced his retirement at the end of this season.[6]
In September, he was selectedJapan U23 national team for2000 Summer Olympics. He played all four matches and scored three goals in first match and quarterfinal. In October, he played at2000 Asian Cup. He played five matches and scored five goals. Japan won the champions. However he missed the2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by his home country and South Korea, because of lung disease (venous thrombosis).[7]
After 2002 World Cup, Takahara played at2003 Confederations Cup. Although his convocation for Japan decreased due to the schedule, he played as regular player when he was elected Japan. In 2006, he was elected Japan for2006 World Cup and he played all three matches. After 2006 World Cup, he played at2007 Asian Cup. He played six matches and scored four goals, and became a top scorer. He played 57 games and scored 23 goals for Japan until 2008.[8]
Takahara finished top scorer after an impressive performance at the2007 Asian Cup. He scored against Qatar in the first match, who Japan tied 1–1. Japan won the next match, against United Arab Emirates and Takahara impressed coachIvica 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 goalkeeperYoshikatsu Kawaguchi sent Japan through into the semifinals, where they lost to Saudi Arabia 3–2.
.jpg)
