Takeo completed a dual bachelor's degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara.  He graduated with Dean's Honors and majors in East Asian Studies with a focus on Japanese, Asian American Studies, and two years of course work for a Biology major.

He was a Joan B. Kroc Fellow at the University of San Diego where he completed a Masters in Peace and Justice. Takeo's research focus centers on social constructions in visual and representational art and their roles in the planning for post civil conflict regions. His primary research site was Derry, Northern Ireland. Takeo is also a certified mediator and has experience working to resolve disputes with facilitative dialogue and mutual gains negotiations techniques.

After completing graduate school Takeo and fellow USD graduate Alejandra Ojeda-Beck founded an education and micro finance non-profit, Muhuy. Muhuy provides micro grants, loans, and education opportunities through partner organizations to internally displaced persons who do not have access to traditional lending mechanisms. Muhuy primarily works in Peru.

Currently Takeo is pursuing a second masters degree at Harvard University, studying business management, in particular he is interested in incorporating successful business practices with his social and environmental justice beliefs.