Masako Katsura, also known as the “Pioneer of Billiards,” was a prominent Japanese woman with an impeccable reputation.
In the 1950s, Katsura was an active figure who competed in male-dominated fields globally. Despite the challenges, she garnered immense respect and success in her profession.
Early Years of Masako Katsura
On March 7, 1913, Masako was born in Tokyo, Japan. Raised by her mother after her father’s tragic demise, she displayed an early interest in sports, particularly billiards.
Her mother, recognizing her potential, encouraged her to pursue billiards as a means of strengthening herself. Katsura expressed, “I was weak and tired all the time, so my mother wanted me to play billiards to exercise and build my strength.”
With her brother-in-law owning a popular billiards hall in Tokyo, Katsura began honing her skills from a young age, driven by her mother’s aspirations.
Her relentless dedication and practice enabled her to excel in billiards, and at just 15, she clinched the Japanese women’s straight-rail championship, impressing the reigning champion, Kinrey Matsuyama. Matsumaya then became her mentor and introduced her to three-cushion billiards.
Katsura’s Venture to America
In 1951, Katsura relocated to California, where she encountered a starkly different billiards environment than in Tokyo. An assertive player among women in Tokyo, now, she had to prove herself in male-dominated billiard halls with her exceptional abilities.
Expressing her observations, Katsura said, “I met only one female billiard player here. A billiard parlor is perceived as a man’s domain. If there were establishments exclusively for women, that would be beneficial.”
Her career was impacted by the European Wars, during which she performed for Japanese and American soldiers, earning international acclaim and support for her career.
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