Sumikawa Hisashi, born Murai Takeo (村井武雄) in Tokyo, Japan, was a vocalist and ventriloquist. He was married to alto singer Murai Masu (村井満寿), and their third son was clarinetist Murai Yuji (村井祐児).

A graduate of Keio University (慶應義塾大学), Sumikawa joined the Tsukiji Little Theatre (築地小劇場) at the invitation of playwright Osanai Kaoru (小山内カオル). After studying vocal music, he worked as a singer at the Japan Theatre (日本劇場) until the end of World War II.

In 1937, he met American ventriloquist Edgar Bergen through Hata Toyokichi (秦豊吉), president of the Imperial Theatre (帝国劇場), and became Japan's first ventriloquist. During World War II, he led a troupe that entertained troops in China.

In 1960, he performed at the Moulin Rouge in Paris. While there for a year, he taught himself painting by studying local artists, and upon his return to Japan, he was selected for the Nikiten Exhibition (二紀展).

(Source: kisskh) Edit Biography