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K. T. Kuma

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Revision as of 16:56, 27 March 2011 by Philippe billot (Talk | contribs) (References)

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K. T. Kuma (February 4, 1884 - March 27, 1963) was born in Seoul, Korea as Kinjiro Tanko Kumjaro. Though born in Korea, he was Japanese.

K. T. Kuma
BornKinjiro Tanko Kumjaro
February 04, 1884
Seoul, Korea
DiedMarch 27, 1963 (age 79)

He began magic at the age of 5 as an apprentice to a Japanese magician and became a professional performing in 1892. He moved to the USA in 1904 and was known at that time as Kim Yen Soo. During World War II he claimed he was a Korean.

According to Tenkai's autobiography (Tenkai was a close friend of Kuma's ), Kuma told him that he first joined a certain Japanese circus troupe when it visited to perform in Korea. After he married with a Japanese, he left the circus to learn some magic. He then went to England where a large Japanese exhibition or some kind of world fair was held, sent by a event promoter, along with other several dozen performing artists. After that, he went to USA.

He is credited with the invention of the Kuma Tubes, but mostly was performing a very old trick.

References