6-8 performers in the troupe – 2 juveniles. Possibly led by Kikuyemon Kitamura (b 1888), who came over to Europe from Japan around 1900.
1906 Victoria Irene Okei Kitamura born of Tome Yokota and K. Kitamura
1911 Marie/Tomiko Kitamura born in Antwerp
1912 October – Kikuyemon Kitamura Acrobatic – on own, Mishima Maru – from Yokohama to London.
1913 April – Futami troupe in Hannover
1913 September – Futamis in Marseilles – 6 people including 17 year old Nishimura Fusa
1913 November – Futami troupe in Netherlands
1914 August – Seven Futamis in Birmingham gave wonderful exhibitions of balancing and athletic feats, and provided a thrill when one of the troupe took a flying dive into a perforated cylinder, into which razor edge swords had been thrusted, and emerged safely. Finsbury Park Empire “all allies” programme
1914 September – in Europe according to Osaka Jiji Shinpo
1914 December – at King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
1915 February – Futami troupe – daring youngster who climbs a ladder
1915 August – The Futami Troupe – versatile acrobats and equilibrists. Elaborate costumes and gorgeous stage settings. Their act is marked by neatness, precision and daring.
1915 October – oriental troupe of real Japanese acrobats and equilibrists
1915 November – 7 artists – manager of troupe K. T. Kitamura interviewed in Fraserburgh Herald and Northern Counties’ Advertiser – had left Japan 15 years ago, had a large hotel in Antwerp where there was a Japanese club. Fled Belgium when Kaiser invaded. “Our reporter remarked upon the splendid loyalty Japan to the European Allies during this war. ‘Yes,’ replied the patriotic little gentleman, “we will stand by you whatever happens. The Germans have been the enemy of my country all along, but the time has come to get even with them. Great Britain rules the seas of the west, Japan rules the seas of the east ; we should always remain as good friends we are to-day. Knowing what I do about the spirit of my people, I feel sure that if the Allies considered it advisable, Japan would send an army help to defeat the enemies of liberty.”
1916 April – last performance in Britain
1917 Fude Kitamura born, of Tome Yokata and Kikuyemon Kitamura, in Kirkcaldy
1918 June – in Europe according to Osaka Asahi Shimbun.
1918 Victoria baptised in Essex
1919 September – K Kitamura opens hair dressing salon in Kirkcaldy
1919 Yaichi Kitamura born in Kirkcaldy
1921 Ishi Kitamura born in Kirkcaldy
1927 August – K Kitamura sells business
1939 September – 4 Kitamuras living at 90 Walmington Fold, Finchley, Hendon, Kitamura is visiting hairdresser, living with Tome, Marie (hairdresser’s assistant) and Fude (Lapper in oil manufacturing). Yaichi clerk, book keeping, living in Cavendish Square. No sign of Ishi.
1939 November – Kitamuras (Kikuemon, Tome, Fude, Yaichi, Ishi, Tomiko (Marie?) depart London for Yokohama via USA
Ninjin 