Masao Kato

Masao Kato (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 at Nihon Ki-in and former president of the International Go Federation. He won 46 titles, including the Oza (王座, King) eight times in a row. He also became the 2nd player to reach 1,200 career wins.

Notable titles

Domestic
TitleWinsRunners-up
Kisei (棋聖, Board Master)Challenged 4 times to the defending champion (1978, 1988, 1991, 1993)
Meijin (名人, Grand Master, hosted by Asahi Shinbun)2 (1986, 1987)2 (1981, 1988)
Honinbo (本因坊)4 (1977–1979, 2002)5 (1969, 1980, 1995, 1997, 2003)
Tengen (天元, Center)4 (1978–1981)2 (1982, 1991)
Oza11 (1979, 1980, 1982–1989, 1993)3 (1981, 1990, 1994)
Judan (10-dan)7 (1976–1979, 1983, 1987, 1997)4 (1980, 1984, 1988, 1998)
Gosei　(碁聖, Master of Go)3 (1976, 1977, 1987)4 (1978, 1981, 1984, 1988)
Agon Cup (阿含杯)3 (1995, 1996, 2003)1 (1997)
Ryusei (竜星, dragon star)2 (1998, 2001)
NHK Cup1 (1988)3 (1974, 1993, 1994)
NEC Cup3 (1990, 1991, 1996)3 (1992, 1999, 2000)
Continental
China-Japan Agon Cup1 (2003)

Books

References

  1. ↑ The total number of titles that he won is behind Eio Sakata
  2. ↑ "Kato Masao". gobase.org. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  3. ↑ "Kato Masao 9p". gogameworld.com. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2011.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ Kato holds the honorary Oza title
  6. ↑ This tournament allows top amateur players to participate.
  7. ↑ This is an exhibition match between the Japanese Agon Cup champion and the mainland Chinese Agon Cup champion

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