Kōtarō Katō

Kōtarō Katō (born January 11, 1895 – died February 3, 1959) was a Japanese industrialist and an individual with noble titles. The Katō family was a prominent lineage in Japan's political and economic circles during the Meiji era, particularly as the eldest son of Takaki Takaki and Haruji Takaki, born in Tokyo City, Tokyo Prefecture.

At the time of his birth, his residence was in what is now Tokyo Metropolis. His father was Takaki Takaki, the 24th Prime Minister of Japan, and his mother was Haruji. His mother was the eldest daughter of Yasutarō Iwasaki, linking the family by blood to the Mitsubishi conglomerate.

In his childhood, Keita Gotō served as a family tutor for the Katō household. Keita Gotō later became the founder of the Tokyu Group. Kōtarō Katō graduated in 1919 (Taishō 8) from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Law, Department of Political Science, and subsequently joined Mitsubishi's holding company, Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha.

He studied in the United Kingdom at Oxford University, and after returning to Japan, he joined Mitsubishi Bank, a Mitsubishi-affiliated city bank. On April 2, 1926 (Taishō 15), he inherited the title of count (hakushaku) and was legally recognized as a noble.

His career included serving as a director of Tōmei Kasai Kaijō Hoken (Toei Fire and Marine Insurance), a Mitsubishi-affiliated insurance company, which is now known as Nisshin Fire & Marine Insurance.

Regarding honors, he was awarded the grade of Seigo (Senior Fifth Rank) on January 31, 1925 (Taishō 14), and on October 15, 1943 (Shōwa 18), he ascended to the rank of Junior Third Rank. Additionally, on December 28, 1944 (Shōwa 19), he received the Gold Ribbon Decoration.

His family background includes his father Takaki, who was a diplomat and politician. His mother Haruji was the eldest daughter of Yasutarō Iwasaki, making Kōtarō an grandchild of Iwasaki Yatarō. His brother had died young, and his sister married Nagatoshi Okabe, a diplomat and politician.

His wife was Tumi, the third daughter of Saionji Kinmochi, the Grand Master of the Inner Palace and a court official. Kōtarō and Tumi had three sons and one daughter.

His brother-in-law was Genzō Hattori, the eldest son of Kintarō Hattori, who served as the second president of Hattori Watch Shop. His nephews included Yuki Sasukai, the grandson of Takayuki Sasaki, and Ino Tō, the eldest son of Taku Tamura.

Main reference sources include works by Asahiro Sato, such as "Monhatsu: The Resurgence of the Old Aristocratic Class," "Showa Names Dictionary Volume 1: Tokyo Edition," "Taisho Names Dictionary III, Volume I," and "Heisei New Compilation of Old Nobility Family Lineages, Volume 1."