The son of an elementary school principal, Go Kato studied literature and theatre. As an actor, he made his film debut in 1964. Kato rose in popularity through his role as Toshiro Mifune's partner in Samurai Rebellion. Kato has performed some of his most famous roles in films directed by Kei Kumai, such as those in The Long Darkness (1972), Cape of North (1976) and Death of a Tea Master (1989).