Takakane is a name found among both the group and the Ko- lineage. In sword reference works, Takakane is sometimes assigned to the Genryaku era (1184-1185) and is traditionally said to have been a student of Takahira, one of the so-called " Sanpei." However, no signed works by Takahira are known, and on the basis of workmanship it is not plausible to place Takakane's activity as early as Genryaku; judging from the style and manner of the signature, his work should be considered approximately contemporary with Yoshikane, who produced dated works in the Kencho era. The locality of Yoshioka, recorded as his place of residence on certain inscriptions, is traditionally transmitted as the ancient seat of the smiths.
Takakane's forging shows , at times mixed with slight , well refined, with plentiful and distinctly standing . The takes several characteristic modes: mixed with ; combined with and ; or a -toned pattern with small undulations carrying a -like feeling. In all modes, and enter well, the is deep, and adheres; and appear, with small and occurring in places. The varies between with a tendency and with a rounded turn-back. The is consistently slender with pronounced and , reflecting the fine period character of the late to early transition.
Signed by Takakane are inherently few in number, and among those that survive, the forms of the signed characters are known in multiple variants. Although blades appraised as and those belonging to the group show extremely similar workmanship, the manner of signing differs somewhat, and in certain cases the character "" has been added above the signature. The presence of an bearing the residence name "Yoshioka" is considered of exceptionally high documentary value for the historical geography of early swordsmithing.