Child of Tsunenao. Takanao united the neighboring powerful clans as the ruler of Higo and fought against the Taira clan's domination of Kyushu area (Yowa War.) However, they were defeated by the Taira clan because of the major crop failure.

Later on at the "Battle of Dan-no-Ura," Takanao's first son, Takanaga, and other sons were defeated by the Minamoto clan and Takanao was beheaded then.

The grave is told to be at Shoren-ji Temple site at Hirayama, Yamaga.