He studied at Fukuoka Prefectural Shuyukan High School, where Seigō Nakano was his one-year senior.

He graduated from Waseda University in 1911 and joined the Tokyo branch of the Osaka Asahi Shimbun.

In 1940, he joined the Taisei Yokusankai (大政翼賛会, "Imperial Rule Assistance Association") which was Japan's fascist organization created by Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe on October 12, 1940, to promote the goals of his Shintaisei ("New Order") movement.

In December 1945, he was investigated for his war-time activities by the Allied Occupational authorities.

After 1952 when Japan regained independence, Ogata was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for three terms.