A true Edokko (Tokyoite), Hajime Kato was born in 1925 in Kanda, Tokyo.
As a young man, Kato won a number of titles in various categories in bicycle races and he also was a candidate for the Olympic team to compete in Helsinki.
To save the family home from financial problems he gave up his place with the Olympic team and instead rode as a top cyclist in Keirin tournaments. In 1958, he left for France to devote himself to pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a painter.
Kato was recognized as a Japanese artist in Paris and praised for his delicate cutting-edge sense, seeking colours and forms, and painting “light and wind”.
Today his works are collected worldwide by a great number of enthusiasts across the globe.
