Masako Katsura’s birthday is 7 March 1913. Her nickname was “Katsy.” Although she was famous for the name “First Lady of Billiards,” she was a Japanese carom billiards player. Masako Katsura established a new ground for women by participating in the male domain of competitive billiards. And achieving many titles among the top players. Katsura is the oldest female official player in Japan and learned the skill from her brother-in-law. Then soon practiced with the instruction of the Japanese titleholder, Kinrey Matsuyama. During the performance, she scored 10,000 points in the straight rail game, which gained a lot of attention from society. She died on 20 December 1995.
Playing billiards earns Masako Katsura a reputation.
Through all this training, Masako Katsura quickly proved her skill in the profession, participating in the championships and defeating top Japanese billiard players.
She was only 15 when she won the Japan women’s straight rail tournament. Even Katsura’s youngest siblings could join in on the sport. As shown by the fact that both won the same competition. This was a challenging feat.
As often in competitive environments, Masako Katsura was a skilled billiard’s player at a time when women were not allowed to play this game. This attitude continued until modern times, when women were prohibited from playing sports in public. This attitude made her achievements all the more remarkable.
She rose to the level of someone approaching superstar status in her state due to this situation.
Masako Katsura became known as the First Lady of Billiards during this time. She used that title when she started performing in other countries.
Masako Katsura decided to move to the United States.
Katsura’s billiards career ended as a consequence of World War II. While the war was going on, she performed a one-woman performance for the Japanese military. After wartime, she changed her focus to teaching billiard skills to American soldiers.
In large part, her success on a global platform can be attributed to all those achievements. A letter about Masako Katsura was written by an American soldier to his father, a billiard’s player. The letter was addressed to Welker Cochran. Cochran encouraged Katsura to go to the United States by writing, “That girl is greater than you!
When Masako Katsura won the national female pool competition, she had already begun playing in the international male billiards championships.
“Since I arrived here, there has only been one female billiards player.” “Billiard clubs are seen as a place for men to meet together. A female-only club would be nice.
For some years, she got a break to play billiards.
She made a comeback in 1958, participating in 30 events and publishing two books that educated Japanese readers about playing pool.
Despite the above, the billiard’s community was enthralled in 1959 when Katsura announced that he would play Harold Worst in a tournament at Randolph Recreational Center in Chicago. Up to 1,200 scores were possible during the contest, which lasted one week.
A few days later, it was sent to Philadelphia for an exhibition, where they participated in six rounds of 50 scores (3 cushions).
At the time of her death, what happened to Masako Katsura?
Masako Katsura lived a full lifespan of 82 years and passed away at eighty-two due to natural causes. I do not believe any sickness or condition contributed to her death. Instead, I thought it was only her destiny to leave this world. People recognized her as a warm-hearted lady who appreciated Japan’s classical arts and traditions. Her countless pieces of creativity ensure that her influence will always be remembered long after she has been gone. I pray that she finds everlasting peace.
Memories and legacy of her
The tournament’s old and well-known tradition records Katsura as one of the strongest billiards players.
Additionally, she won the Generation title presented by the United States Billiard Media Association in 2003. In 1966, she was also inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame. In March 2021, she appeared in the image used for a Google Doodle celebrating World Women’s Day.
The significance of Katsura’s contributions to the game of billiards can never be underestimated. She will also be remembered as one of the club’s all-time greatest players for as long as the game exists.
Death of Masako Katsura
Masako Katsura died of natural aging phenomena. She was 82 years old. She was ill for almost 5 years, but died on 20 December 1995.
