Katsuki was a native of Saga prefecture. He graduated from the 14th class of the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1902 and from the 24th class of the Army Staff College in 1912. Promoted to colonel in the infantry in 1923, he became commander of the IJA 60th Infantry Regiment the following year, and commander of the IJA 8th Infantry Regiment in 1925. In 1929, Katsuki was promoted to major general and given command of the IJA 30th Infantry Brigade.
After being promoted to lieutenant general in 1933, he served as Deputy Commandant of the War College until 1935. Katsuki was commander of the IJA 12th Division from 1935 to 1936, and then commander of the Imperial Guards Division from 1936-1937.