Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished International Fellow U.S. Naval War College

ADM Takei joined the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in 1979 after graduated the Japan National Defense Academy. He assumed the duties as the 32nd Chief of Maritime Staff, JMSDF in October 2014 and retired from service in December 2016 after a 38 year career as a JMSDF officer.

ADM Takei was a Surface Warfare Officer and specialized in Weapon Systems. In his early career, he served mainly on Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG). He commanded JS Ishikari (DE226) in 1997. He assumed command of Escort Division One in 2001 after several shore assignments.

As a Flag Officer, ADM Takei served as the Deputy Director General of the Administration Department of the Maritime Staff Office (MSO) in 2004, and in 2006 as the first Director General of C4I System Department (J6) of the Joint Staff Office.  In 2008, he was the Chief of Staff for the Commandant of the Kure District, and in 2008 the Director General of Operations and Plans Department (N3/N5) of MSO. Admiral Takei commanded the initial stage of HA/DR Operations in response to the Great East Japan Earth Quake in March 2011 as Commandant of the Ominato District of JMSDF. Later, he served as Vice Chief of Maritime Staff of JMSDF and in 2012 he was the Commandant of JMSDF’s Yokosuka District.

ADM Takei has a Master’s Degree in Regional Studies from the University of Tsukuba and is a graduate of the Naval Command College of the U.S. Naval War College, class of 1999.

ADM Takei was awarded the Legion of Merit from the U.S. four times, and is a recipient of the Legión de Honor (Officie) from France and Legion of Merit from Turkey.  ADM Takei is a native of Nagano Prefecture, currently lives in Chiba Prefecture.