Takahashi was born in Naniwa-ku, Osaka, and was a graduate of Kyoto University. While still a student, he contributed to the Gendai Bungaku literary magazine. He was encouraged to study the Chinese language and Chinese history by fellow writer Eiji Yoshikawa.
Takahashi was born in Naniwa-ku, Osaka, and graduated from Kyoto University. During his student years, he participated in the Gendai Bungaku literary magazine. He was inspired to study Chinese language and history by fellow writer Eiji Yoshikawa.