Ken Takakura was born in Nakama, Fukuoka, Japan, as Goichi Oda. He later attended Tochiku High School in Yahata City, where he participated in boxing and the English society, developing a streetwise persona influenced by yakuza movies.

Takakura impulsively auditioned at Toei Film Company while applying for a managerial position after graduating from Meiji University in Tokyo.

Takakura debuted in the film industry with Denko Karate Uchi (Lightning Karate Blow) after Toei Film Company recognized his talent.

Ken Takakura married singer Chiemi Eri.

Takakura's breakout role came with the film Abashiri Prison, where he played an ex-con antihero.

Ken Takakura and Chiemi Eri divorced.

Takakura starred as the titular assassin in Junya Satō's Golgo 13, a Japanese–Iranian production and the first live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga series Golgo 13.

Takakura gained international recognition for his role in Sydney Pollack's The Yakuza, where he starred alongside Robert Mitchum.

Takakura left Toei after appearing in over 180 films.

Takakura starred in Junya Satō's crime drama Kimi yo Fundo no Kawa o Watare (Manhunt), the first foreign film shown in China after the Cultural Revolution, gaining popularity in China.

Takakura gained further international recognition for his role in Ridley Scott's Black Rain.

Takakura appeared in Fred Schepisi's comedy Mr. Baseball, starring Tom Selleck.

Takakura received the Japanese Medal of Honor with purple ribbon.

Takakura appeared in Hotaru (The Firefly).

Takakura starred in Zhang Yimou's Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles, a Chinese film.

Takakura received the Person of Cultural Merit award.

Takakura starred in Yasuo Furuhata's Anata e (Dearest) after a six-year hiatus.

Takakura received the Order of Culture.

Ken Takakura died of lymphoma. He was described by Shintaro Ishihara as "the last big star (in Japan)."