Masao Kato: The Dragon slayer
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Masao Kato was a professional Go legend renowned for his ruthlessly precise, territory-focused style of play. Born in 1947, Kato turned pro in 1964 at the incredibly young age of 17 and swiftly rose to dominate the upper echelons of Japanese Go.
Known as "Killer Kato" for his ability to violently destroy opponents' dragon formations in his youth, Kato lived up to his fierce nickname by forcing resignations from even top players. As he matured, Kato evolved into "Half-Point Kato" - winning games by the narrowest of margins through immaculate balance and control. His consummate technical precision allowed Kato to reign over the Go world alongside creative contemporaries like Cho Chikun.
Climbing the Ranks
Kato made an immediate impact, entering the prestigious Honinbo league in 1968 at just 4 dan – unheard of at the time. Though he didn't qualify, Kato challenged the Honinbo champion the next year.
He earned the nickname "Killer Kato" for his ability to ruthlessly "kill" opponents' dragons when attacking. Kato forced resignations from top players while ascending to the upper ranks.
Evolution to Precision
As Kato matured, he evolved from his fierce "Killer" style to a more balanced, precision approach. Rather than violent attacks, Kato began winning by fractions of points through efficient frameworks and global thinking.
An Era of Dominance
This strategic style allowed Kato to compete with creative geniuses. He won his first major titles, the Gosei and Judan, in 1976 after years of near-misses.
At his peak, Kato held multiple top titles simultaneously, including the Meijin, Oza, Judan, and Gosei. He won the Oza 8 consecutive times. Kato won 46 total major titles, demonstrating the potency of his balanced style.
Lasting Legacy
As a teacher, Kato passed down his insights through books and study groups, emphasizing precision and efficiency. In his final year, he enacted reforms as Nihon Ki-in president.
Kato earned deep respect for his consummate balance and control of the board. His strategic style and teachings influenced generations of players.
Titles of Masao Kato
2003: 10th Agon
2002: 57th Honinbo
2001: 10th Ryusei
1999: 32nd Hayago Championship
1998: 4th JT Cup
1997: 35th Judan, NEC Cup
1996: 3rd Agon, 18th Kakusei
1995: 2nd Agon, 17th Kakusei
1994: 27th Hayago Championship
1993: 41st Oza
1992: NEC Cup
1991: NEC Cup
1989: 37th Oza
1988: 36th Oza, NHK Cup, 21st Hayago Championship
1987: 12th Meijin, 25th Judan, 12th Gosei, 35th Oza
1986: 11th Meijin, 34th Oza, 8th Kakusei
1985: 33rd Oza
1984: 32nd Oza
1983: 21st Judan, 31st Oza
1982: 30th Oza
1981: 7th Tengen
1980: 28th Oza, 6th Tengen, 2nd Kakusei
1979: 34th Honinbo, 17th Judan, 27th Oza, 5th Tengen
1978: 33rd Honinbo, 16th Judan, 4th Tengen
1977: 2nd Gosei, 15th Judan, 32th Honinbo
1976: 1st Gosei, 14th Judan
Masao Kato’s Major English Publications from Amazon
The Chinese Opening: The Sure-Win Strategy:
Kato's Attack and Kill:
