Age, Biography and Wiki

Masao Kato was born on 15 March, 1947 in Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan, is a Japanese Go player. Discover Masao Kato's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 57 years old?

Popular As N/A
Occupation N/A
Age 57 years old
Zodiac Sign Pisces
Born 15 March, 1947
Birthday 15 March
Birthplace Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan
Date of death December 30, 2004
Died Place N/A
Nationality Japan

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 15 March. He is a member of famous player with the age 57 years old group.

Masao Kato Height, Weight & Measurements

At 57 years old, Masao Kato height not available right now. We will update Masao Kato's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
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Dating & Relationship status

He is currently single. He is not dating anyone. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. According to our Database, He has no children.

Family
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Masao Kato Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Masao Kato worth at the age of 57 years old? Masao Kato’s income source is mostly from being a successful player. He is from Japan. We have estimated Masao Kato's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income player

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Timeline

1947

Masao Kato Honorary Oza (加藤 正夫, Katō Masao, March 15, 1947 – December 30, 2004), also known as Kato Kensei (加藤剱正 Katō Kensei), was a Japanese professional go player.

A late bloomer, Kato won 46 titles, including the Oza eight times in a row.

He also became the second player to reach 1,200 career wins, behind Rin Kaiho.

Kato is the author of The Chinese Opening: The Sure-Win Strategy (published in English by Kiseido Publishing Company) and Kato's Attack and Kill (published by Ishi Press).

1959

Kato joined Kitani Minoru's go dojo in 1959, quickly becoming friends with Ishida Yoshio.

The two became sparring partners and kept a close relationship up until Kato's death.

1964

In 1964, Kato passed the pro exam at age seventeen.

Along with Takemiya Masaki and Ishida, the trio became known as the three crows of the Kitani dojo.

Kato began qualifying for tournaments early on in his professional career.

1968

He made the Honinbo league in 1968 as a 4 dan, a feat unheard of at the time.

Kato was unable to progress past the group stages and was relegated.

However, he challenged title holder Rin Kaiho the following year, losing four games to two.

He was known as the "Killer" for his attacking style.

1970

During a Honinbo league match in 1970, Kato forced 22nd Honinbo Takagawa Kaku to resign after 93 moves.

For the early part of his career, Kato was known as the eternal runner-up.

1976

He finished runner-up eight times before winning his first titles, the Gosei and Judan, in 1976.

Kato went on to win 46 total titles, fourth most in Japan behind Cho Chikun, Sakata Eio and Kobayashi Koichi.

At one point, Kato held four of the top 7 titles: Meijin, Oza, Judan and Gosei.

2004

Kato was elected president of the Nihon Ki-in and International Go Federation in early 2004.

Under his lead, he eliminated the Oteai, instead introducing new rules to help deal with rank inflation that had occurred over the years.

He also increased komi from 5.5 points to 6.5 points and shortened thinking time.

Later in the year, Kato fell ill and was hospitalized.

He underwent a successful operation on 10 December, but his condition worsened a few weeks later.

Kato died on 30 December 2004.

Ranks #5 in total number of titles in Japan.