Takahara started his career as an apprentice carpenter. Through interactions with building owners, he became convinced of the importance of being a sales professional who supports clients throughout their lives, and transitioned to a career in sales. At a major domestic homebuilder, he achieved a series of unprecedented achievements, including becoming the top salesperson nationwide, ranking first at his branch and later in the entire sales division. His outstanding track record and his systematic, logical approach to sales were highly regarded by Toyota Motor Corporation, and he went on to establish his own business with that company’s support. As an advocate of the TQSM® method, he has led the transformation of many companies.
He worked in the lending and international divisions at MUFG Bank, Ltd., focusing on financial management. After earning an MBA in the United States, he worked at the forefront of global financial strategy in New York. Upon returning to Japan, he contributed to enhancing corporate value through the development of financial strategies for the UFJ Group and by providing hands-on support for investment funds targeting SMEs. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics, the University of Tokyo. He is an expert in finance and business strategy, holding certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Japan, a U.S. Certified Public Accountant, and a securities analyst.
He held a variety of key positions at Toyota Motor Corporation, including roles in domestic sales planning, general affairs, and new business development. While at that company, he played a central role in supporting the development of business plans and successfully led large-scale projects, including the establishment of a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics, Keio University. Currently, as a member of Toyota Motor Corporation’s alumni association, he supports Explorer Consulting’s mission to apply the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and Total Quality Management (TQM) to sales departments.
