Takeshi Friedmann is certainly an alias to keep his identity masked. He will never show his face or show up in his exhibitions. Takeshi is a Japanese first name, he might be Japanese, or half Japanese, he might not. Friedmann is perhaps the name of one of his favorite photographers to express his respect.
Takeshi Friedmann is the secret identity of a once full-time published fashion photographer, TV reality show judge, now turned diplomat.