On May 31, 1992, Takagi debuted for the Japan national team against Argentina. In 1992, he was selected the Japan for 1992 Asian Cup which held in Japan and Japan team won the champions. He played 5 matches and scored a winning goal against Saudi Arabia at the final. In 1993, he played at 1994 World Cup qualification in Doha. However Japan failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup. It was known as the "Agony of Doha" () in Japan. He also played at 1994 Asian Games and 1996 Asian Cup. He played 44 games and scored 27 goals for Japan until 1997.