Masao Kato
| Masao Kato | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Killer |
| Kanji | 加藤正夫 |
| Born | 15 March 1947 Asakura, Fukuoka, Japan |
| Died | 30 December 2004 (aged 57) |
| Teacher | Minoru Kitani |
| Pupil | Yukari Yoshihara |
| Rank | 9 dan |
Masao Kato
Oza eight times in a row.[2] He also became the second player to reach 1,200 career wins, behind Rin Kaiho.[3]
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).
Biography
Early life and "Killer Kato" (1959–2003)
Kato joined
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.[4]
He was known as the "Killer" for his attacking style. During a Honinbo league match in 1970, Kato forced
Oza, Judan and Gosei.[3]
Later life and death
Kato was elected president of the
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.[6]
Promotion record
| Rank | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 dan | 1964 | |
| 2 dan | 1964 | |
| 3 dan | 1965 | |
| 4 dan | 1966 | |
| 5 dan | 1967 | |
| 6 dan | 1969 | |
| 7 dan | 1971 | |
| 8 dan | 1973 | |
| 9 dan | 1978 |
Titles and runners-up
Ranks #5 in total number of titles in Japan.
| Domestic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Title | Wins | Runners-up |
Kisei |
4 (1978, 1988, 1991, 1993) | |
Meijin |
2 (1986, 1987) | 2 (1981, 1988) |
Honinbo |
4 (1977–1979, 2002) | 5 (1969, 1980, 1995, 1997, 2003) |
| Tengen | 4 (1978–1981) | 2 (1982, 1991) |
Oza |
11 (1979, 1980, 1982–1989, 1993) | 3 (1981, 1990, 1994) |
Judan |
7 (1976–1979, 1983, 1987, 1997) | 4 (1980, 1984, 1988, 1998) |
| Gosei | 3 (1976, 1977, 1987) | 4 (1978, 1981, 1984, 1988) |
Agon Cup |
3 (1995, 1996, 2003) | 1 (1997) |
| Ryusei | 2 (1998, 2001) | |
| NHK Cup | 1 (1988) | 3 (1974, 1993, 1994) |
| NEC Cup | 3 (1990, 1991, 1996) | 3 (1992, 1999, 2000) |
| Nihon Ki-in Championship | 1 (1974) | |
| Kakusei | 4 (1980, 1986, 1995, 1996) | 4 (1993, 1997–1999) |
| Hayago Championship | 2 (1988, 1994) | 5 (1980, 1984, 1989, 1998, 1999) |
| Asahi Pro Best Ten | 2 (1970, 1975) | |
| Shin-Ei | 1 (1975) | |
Prime Minister Cup |
1 (1973) | |
| Dai-ichi | 1 (1971) | |
| Total | 46 | 46 |
| Continental | ||
| China-Japan Agon Cup | 1 (2003) | |
| Total | 0 | 1[2] |
Bibliography
- Kato's Attack and Kill ISBN 978-4-87187-027-6
- The Chinese Opening ISBN 4-906574-33-5
References
- ^ "Kato Masao". gobase.org. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ a b c "Kato Masao 9p". gogameworld.com. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ a b "SPECIAL EDITION: KATO MASAO 9P DEAD AT 57". usgo.org. 30 December 2004. Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ a b Ishida Yoshio. "Kato Masao at the Kitani Dojo". gogod.co.uk. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
- ^ "SGF of Kato Masao v. Takagawa Kaku". gobase.org. Retrieved 17 June 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "In memoriam: Kato Masao (1947-2004)". nihonkiin.org.jp. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
External links
- Kato Masao at gobase.org - lists some of his victories and over a thousand-game records in SGF format.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Academics | |
