Biography

Takatani secured spot at 3rd Olympics (15th at London 2012, 7th at Rio 2016, both at 74kg) by winning final world Olympic qualifier in Sofia...In December 2020, became 5th wrestler in Japan history to win 10 consecutive national titles with victory at 92kg, his fourth different weight class...Won silver medal at 2014 World Championships at 74kg, losing 8-2 in final to Denis TSARGUSH (RUS)...Involved in bizarre incident at 2017 World Championships, when he won first-round match by disqualification over Grigor GRIGORYAN (ARM) after showing where opponent bit him in the stomach...Won national title together with younger brother Daichi in 2017...Was 4-time national collegiate champion at Takushoku University...Switched from karate to wrestling in 6th grade.