Katsuichiro Kato

is one of the main characters from Return of Ultraman. He was the first captain of MAT and is designated as MAT member No.1.
==Personality==
Kato is a leader with a gentle personality, treating his team members with great kindness and always able to create a good team atmosphere. At the same time, he places great emphasis on his tasks and is strict in controlling the responsibilities he is given, making sure that no details are overlooked.
He holds a strict attitude towards acts of violating discipline and orders and will not tolerate such behavior. When faced with a tough order from Commander Kishida, he does not easily compromise but insists on proposing better solutions.
==History==
===Return of Ultraman===
In the past, Kato was a lieutenant colonel in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Later, he was appointed as the first captain of the MAT Japan Branch in response to the threat of monster disasters. At first, he was impressed by Hideki Go's bravery and energy, and after discussing with Ken Sakata, he recruited Go into the MAT.
During the incident where a monster was sighted at Mount Kirishima, he resolved the conflicts among his subordinates and believed that the legends in the mountain area might have some truth. Without notifying his team, Kato went alone to the dangerous area to investigate, but he ended up trapped in a cave. When Detton and Sadola were defeated by Ultraman, he and Go were rescued by the other members.
In the middle of the series, due to the complete annihilation of the MAT Space Station during the Bemstar invasion, the Terrestrial Defense Agency reorganized the unit. Kato was selected to become the new captain of the MAT Space Station and was subsequently transferred, leaving the MAT. When Go learned of Kato's departure, he wanted to see the captain off and other members secretly followed them, bidding farewell to Kato together in the end.
Before leaving the Earth, Kato informed Toshihiko Izuka about the information regarding the newly appointed captain, Ryu Ibuki. This allowed Go to have a better understanding of future missions. Kato then departed and did not appear in the series again.
==Gallery==
===Return of Ultraman===
Katsuhiro Kato 1.png
Katsuhiro Kato 2.png
Katsuhiro Kato 3.png
Katsuhiro Kato 4.png
Katsuhiro Kato 6.png
Katsuhiro Kato 7.png
Katsuhiro Kato 8.png
==Trivia==
*Kato has mentioned he has an older brother and a nephew. His brother is the president of a railway company, and his nephew appeared in the series. 
*Actor Nobuo Tsukamoto, who played the role of Kato, had to leave the series due to his involvement in local theater performances. The character of MAT captain was then replaced by Ryu Ibusuki, played by Jun Negami.
Category:Return of Ultraman
Category:Allies
Category:Human Characters
Category:Male Characters
Category:Leaders
Category:Return of Ultraman Characters
Category:MAT Members
Category:MAT