Kato was born in Saitama on August 1, 1957. After graduating from Osaka University of Commerce, he joined Japan Soccer League club Furukawa Electric (later "JEF United Ichihara") in 1980. The club won the league champions in 1985/86. The club also won 1982 and 1986 JSL Cup. However, he could not play in the game much, as he was the team's reserve goalkeeper behind Choei Sato. Kato became a regular goalkeeper in later 1980s. He retired in 1993. He played 87 games in the league.