Torra Kitchi of Japan

[jorose]

You mention "O'Torra" as another name they used earlier, I think this might be a French reference to his act (in Paris), probably the 1886 tour mentioned:
http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b550059124

[Paul Budden]

Jorose hi, yes that is the troupe O'Torra, unfortuately for me there is no mention of Blekman on the poster as manager, but I'm sure it's great for Jose    and it a fabulous piece of art.

Thank You.

Kind regards, Paul

[josie46]

Hello I got a copy of that circus hayatake totta kichi in English from japan don't know if connected I got Ongawa's father's name which was Ongawa Mannakichi from Ongawa's marriage cert from Newcastle in 1872 to my gt gran's sister

[josie46]

Hi again Paul looked up the 1881 census found a Fred Blekman wife Annie in London it said he was a  foreign correspondent born Paris 1840 and Annie born Southampton 1851 don't think it's them but you can't trust ages etc on the old records
Josie

[josie46]

Hi Folks just found the poster don't see the year  just the date that's them must send copy to Ongawa's great grandsons in Canada
they will be pleased

[josie46]

just checked the 1886 calendar and the 2 dates match the Mon and Sunday 14th and 27th

[Paul Budden]

Jose hi again, just one thing please.. can you identify which year it lists Blekman as the manager of the O'Torra Troupe? As I could'nt see anything other than that he was the manager of a Japanese Troupe on the 1871 census.. many thanks, kind regards, Paul

[Paul Budden]

Josie think the French Blekman might not be the same one as the Manager of the Troupe was born in Amsterdam according to the 1871 census. But many thanks, kindest, Paul

[jorose]

Was he related to the F. Blekman who was a dutch/french interpreter in Japan for Bellecourt?