Kato Masao
Kato Masao, (加藤正夫 Katō Masao, 15 March 1947 - 30 December 2004) was a Japanese 9-dan professional Go player known for his attacking play.
Kato won the Meijin (twice), Honinbo (four times), Judan (seven times), Tengen (four times), Oza (eleven times) and Gosei (three times). He is one of the few to have won 1,200 professional games.
His most recent title was Honinbo in 2002, in which set the record for oldest player ever to win this title, at age 55. Upon winning which he took the name "Kato Kensei" as he had in the past when winning that title. He lost his title in July 2003 to Cho U.
His pupils include Omori Yasushi, Suzuki Isao, Nishida Terumi and Umezawa Yukari.
His teachers include Kitani Minoru, Kato being one of the Three Crows of the Kitani dojo.
Kato was the author of two books available in english: Kato's Attack and Kill and The Chinese Opening.
The Chinese Opening: The Sure-Win Strategy is published in English by Kiseido. His name is ordered in the book and in some Anglophone sources as Masao Kato, while many Go-related sources and websites order his name as Kato Masao. The English version of Kato's Attack and Kill also uses "Masao Kato".
On 30 December 2004, he died of a cerebral infarction. Kato, elected in 2004 to be Chief Director of the Nihon Kiin and President of the International Go Federation, successfully led many important reforms during a difficult period. These reforms included reversing the financial deficit, changing the dan promotion rules by eliminating the Oteai, changing komi to 6.5 points, and shortening game time limits among others. At the same time he still managed to play actively in the top tournaments of Japan. I am very sorry to see the loss of this great player, especially when he was in the center of such great deeds...
This is a big loss to the Go world and I'm truly saddened. He is one of my favorite players to study, especially his earlier "Killer" days. Rest in peace and thanks for the games you've left us - Nathan
Daily Yomiuri Obituary(dead link)
There are many classic examples of Kato killing large groups. One of my favorites took place on March 11&12, 1970 during the 25 Honinbo League. Kato (black) played Takagawa Shukaku and forced him to resign in 93 moves! Kato's awesome power is frightening in this game (eg. Black 67). The game can be found on Gobase, but be warned, it is not for the faint of heart :)
- Nathan
Titles:
- 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 33th Honinbo, 16th Judan, 4th Tengen
- 1977 2nd Gosei, 15th Judan, 32th Honinbo
- 1976 1st Gosei, 14th Judan
In the back of my Life and Death book, it lists other Go books, including, Kato's Attack and Kill, Kato Masao, 10d. What's that about?
Hikaru79: The Japanese word for 'ten' is 'Ju'. Therefore, the 'Judan' title is like saying '10-dan.' That's what that was reffering to.
Then are there as many "10 dan" players out there as there are times the Judan title has changed hands?
Bob McGuigan: "Judan" is the name of a tounament, i.e. a title, not a rank. Winners of the title hold it only until they are defeated. Saying "Kato Masao, Judan" is just like saying "kato Masao, Honinbo", for example.