Takahara was born on October 14, 1957. After graduating from Ueda Higashi High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mitsubishi Motors in 1976. In 1978, the club won all three major title in Japan; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1980 Emperor's Cup and 1981 JSL Cup. He retired in 1981. He played 64 games and scored 15 goals in the league.