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 in Tokyo. It was at this library that Katai met the critic Takase Bunen who inspired Katai in his literary ambitions. Katai's translation of by Tolstoy and his own, or , were outstanding works of this period. During this time Katai became acquainted with the writers Shimazaki Tōson and Kunikida Doppo. In January 1899 at twenty-seven Katai married Itō Risa, the sister of his friend Ōta Gyokumei. In December of the same year Katai began to work for a publishing house, Hakubunkan, with the help of Ōhashi Otowa, one of its editors.

Katai's works written from 1900 to 1905 reflect his leaning towards European naturalism. written in 1901 shows this inclination, as does his essay "Rokotsu naru Byōsha," written in 1904.

During the Russo-Japanese War Katai participated as a private photographer in a compilation of for a publishing company called Geographical Description of Japan.

In January 1905 Katai published an account of his war experiences,, or. In June he wrote, or , for a literary magazine. In July he published travel sketches, or.

, or edited by Katai, was published in March 1906, and in June his travel sketches, or.