Inspector Takai is a police officer in the Tokyo force and the partner of Yasui. He presents a tall, stern figure with pale skin, black hair styled in a distinctive pompadour protruding over his face, and small dark eyes featuring prominent lower eyelashes. He consistently wears a formal black suit paired with a red tie. His personality contrasts sharply with Yasui's, characterized by strictness, seriousness, and logic; he deliberately excludes emotions from his duties, a demeanor attributed to his more recent appointment within the force. Takai first appears in 2021 pursuing a host who had cornered Hina Amano. He confronts the man with a CCTV image of Hodaka Morishima pointing a gun, demanding Hodaka's whereabouts. Later, over ramen with Yasui, they discuss the case and conclude Hodaka is likely a runaway. On August 21, 2021, Takai and a female officer visit Hina's apartment to question her about Hodaka. He reveals Hodaka's parents filed a missing person report and that police are investigating his illegal firearm possession. During this visit, Takai informs Hina that social services will intervene to separate her from her younger brother Nagi due to their status as unaccompanied minors. On August 22, Takai and other officers track Hodaka and Nagi to a hotel room. They capture the pair after discovering Hina vanished overnight. Takai transports Hodaka toward Ikebukuro Police Station for interrogation, but Hodaka escapes en route. Takai pursues Hodaka on foot, eventually cornering him near the Yoyogi Kaikan building where police surround him. Keisuke Suga intervenes, punching Takai and enabling Hodaka to reach the rooftop shrine and rescue Hina. Following these events, Takai is among those arrested.