A pioneering legacy
Founded in 1957 as Sekisui Kinzoku Company, we have since utilized our mold technology to manufacture and sell model railway products. In particular, the N gauge model we released in 1965 was the first made in Japan, and has since established our reputation as a pioneer in N scale models. Realistic textures and shapes that rival the presence of the real thing! The expectations of model railway fans are endless and so are the challenges for manufacturers. In order to cultivate the comprehensive technical capabilities required for uncompromising product manufacturing, we have implemented a fully integrated in-house production system, from design to production, and established our own unique style.
KATO’s commitment
In order to meet the fervent expectations of railway model fans, we develop products based on three key ideas: precision, performance, and durability.
Precision
For a model train, nothing matters more than realism. Precision is everything in this hobby, and we don’t skip over the small things. We work to make sure every single bolt and texture looks exactly like the real thing.
Performance
The true test of a model is how it handles the rails. KATO products are engineered for performance, combining smooth, silent operation with the pulling power needed for any grade. From start to finish, it’s precision you can see and stability you can feel.
Durability
Your layout is a lifelong investment, and we build KATO products to match. We don’t just engineer for the first run; we engineer for the decades ahead. From the workshop to your home, we back every model with a full inventory of parts and support—because a train belongs on the tracks, not in a box.
Learn More about Kato's Manufacturing Process
Our History:
1950
The Beginning of Kato: Railway model parts factory
Our founder, Yuji Kato, was a railway enthusiast who loved steam locomotives and trains from the time he was old enough to understand. After the war, he applied the equipment and die-forging techniques of his family business, Kato Metals, to release the “Pivot Bearing Bogie,” which focused on the “running” of model trains.
1957
Sekisui Metal Engraving Company founded
Demand for model train parts, which were highly praised in Japan and the United States for their quality and performance, increased, and a model train factory was spun off from Kato Metals. The company was named Sekisui Kinzoku Chokosha after the town of Sekiguchi Suidocho in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, where the company was founded.
1959
Creating a finished product under our own brand
begins
Instead of supplying parts to other companies, we began various prototype research projects with the dream of releasing finished railway models under our own brand.
1963
Developing 9mm Gauge (N Gauge)
Yuji Kato, who was thinking about the housing environment in Japan and the spread of model trains, saw potential in the 9mm gauge (N gauge) plastic model rather than the metal HO gauge that was mainstream at the time, and decided to develop it. His metal engraving techniques, which he had cultivated over many years, were passed down to his plastic injection molding techniques.
1965
The birth of Japan’s N gauge
After much effort, Japan’s first mass-produced N gauge products were released in 1965. The first models, created while listening to the news about the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, were the C50 steam locomotive and Oha31 passenger car.
1965
Kansui Metals company emblem established
The company emblem that became popular along with the product’s launch was established in this year.
1968
Products for the US
While N gauge products are still struggling in Japan, ALCO, which was released for the US market, The PA-1 was highly praised for both its driving performance and appearance, and was well received.
1974
Opening a showroom
We value after-sales support and communication with our customers, and have opened our own showroom to utilize this knowledge in improving our products. We also handle models from around the world, and have taken on the role of a “hub for railway models.”
1975
Establishing the Status Quo
All models now include Headlights and taillights, Also all passenger cars are compatible with interior lighting installation. N gauge Kiha 82 series was been released.
1979
Exhibited at the 1st Growing Japanese Railway Model Show
Railway at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) The model show was held in August and attracted a total of 25,000 visitors over three days.
1980
Unitrack launched
N gauge can now be enjoyed casually at home. While large, fixed layouts are the norm in Europe and the United States, the mainstream style of play in Japanese homes is to enjoy different layout plans on a day-to-day basis in the living room or Japanese-style room, and then put them away. Therefore, with a focus on “easy connections” and “being able to run trains stably on the floor,” Unitrack was developed, featuring a wide trackbed, joints that can be easily and securely attached and detached, and separate parts that allow for the connection sections to be replaced separately.
1981
Saitama Factory begins operations
Demand for N gauge has increased dramatically, and in order to ensure a stable supply, we have since closed our Saitama factory (Tsurugashima City).
1983
The first European N gauge export model, TGV, is released
The TGV was released in the same year as the operation began, and the previous year, exhibits at the Nuremberg Toy Fair began, and the KATO brand also expanded into Europe. Of course, this product is also available in Japan. It was widely praised.
1986
KATO USA is established
Hiroshi Kato (currently President and CEO) established KATO USA, a US subsidiary. Working with local staff, full-scale product planning and distribution began. The phrase “KATO Drive” became popular among fans due to the cars’ powerful and stable running.
1987
KATO’s new logo is established
Our current logo featuring the iconic green is established.
1997
New building added to Saitama Factory
A new building with a seismic isolation structure was added to the Saitama Factory. EF65 No. 536 is preserved at the main entrance. A commemorative exhibition area has been set up on the 7th floor, and even today it is used every year to teach elementary school students the joy of model trains and craftsmanship on social studies field trips.
2003
Geotown launched
Geotown’s system of arranging completed structures of standard dimensions on road plates has made city planning with floor layouts more accessible.
2009
Unitram launched
Unitram was introduced in conjunction with the Geotown Structures, making it easy to create a city with an LRT system .
2014
New Headquarters Opens
The new head office building was completed. The Hobby Center Kato was opened with a large N gauge layout. The Deha 268 at the entrance of the headquarters welcomes many customers every day.
2024
New Factory Opens
A new factory in Tsurugashima City is opened. The premises have green spaces and a genuine narrow guage railway.
The Kato U.S.A. office and warehouse facility is located in Schaumburg, Illinois, approximately 30 miles northwest of Chicago.
All research & development of new North American products is performed here, in addition to the sales and distribution of merchandise to a vast network of wholesale representatives and retail dealers. Models requiring service sent in by hobbyists are usually attended to at this location as well. The manufacturing of all KATO products is performed in Japan.