James Takata is an American director, writer, and cinematographer. He is a member of the Directors Guild of America and the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600.

James’ television directorial debut was on the NBC series This Is Us. He has also directed episodes of ABC's The Company You Keep and Criminal Minds: Evolution for Paramount+. He is the director and co-writer of the indie feature California Scenario, starring Will Yun Lee (The Good Doctor), Brooklynn Prince (The Florida Project), Abby Miller (Home Before Dark), and Minnie Mills (The Summer I Turned Pretty). James also directed 2nd Unit for additional episodes of The Company You Keep.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Takata was inspired to become a filmmaker by Spike Lee's Do The Right Thing. He received a scholarship to the Ryman Program for Young Artists in high school and earned his B.A. in Studio Art from the College of William and Mary, with studies at the Art Institute of Florence.

As a cinematographer, Takata lensed the series The Horror of Dolores Roach for Amazon and shot several episodes of This Is Us while serving as the A Camera/Steadicam operator. He also contributed additional cinematography to the Hulu series Paradise.

Takata was selected for the DGA's prestigious Director Development Mentorship Program in 2024, where he was paired with mentor Bethany Rooney.

James is represented by Marathon Management.