Order of the Golden Kite
In July 1916, Katō was elevated to the "kazoku" peerage with the title of baron ("danshaku"). He was also awarded the Order of the Golden Kite, 2nd class and the Order of the Rising Sun. That December, he was appointed commander of the Kure Naval District and in July 1918 was promoted to full admiral. In December 1919, he was appointed a naval councilor and entered the reserves from January 1923.