After graduating from Waseda University, after a year's blank, he joined Yomiuri (later Verdy Kawasaki) in 1980.
On November 19, 1978, when Kato was a Waseda University student, he debuted for Japan national team against Soviet Union.
However the club finished 8th place, he was sacked end of 2000 season.
In 2007, he signed with J2 club Kyoto Sanga FC and became a general manager.
He led the club to won 3rd place in 2007 and promoted to J1 League.
In 2018, Kato was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.