Kiyomasa was born in Owari Province to Kato Kiyotada. He fought in Hideyoshi's army at the Battle of Yamazaki; and later; at the Battle of Shizugatake. Owing to his distinguished conduct in that battle; he became known as one of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake. Hideyoshi rewarded Kiyomasa with an increased revenue of 3000 koku. In 1586; after Higo Province was confiscated from Sassa Narimasa; he was granted 250;000 koku of land in Higo (roughly half of the province); and given Kumamoto Castle as his provincial residence.