Toru Kumon | |
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公文 公 | |
| Pronunciation | Kumon Tōru |
| Born | March 26, 1914 |
| Died | July 25, 1995 (aged 81) Osaka, Japan |
| Alma mater | Osaka University (BS) |
| Occupation(s) | educator, founder ofKumon |
| Known for | creating the Kumon Method of Learning |
Toru Kumon (公文 公,Kumon Tōru; March 26, 1914 – July 25, 1995) was a Japanesemathematics educator. He was born inKōchi Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the College of Science atOsaka University with a degree in mathematics and taught high school mathematics in his home town of Osaka.[1]
In 1954, his son, Takeshi, performed poorly in a Year 2 mathematics test. Prompted by his wife, Teiko, Toru closely examined Takeshi's textbooks and believed they lacked the proper opportunity for a child to practice and master a topic. He wrote worksheets each day for his son. By the time Takeshi was in Year 6, he was able to solve differential and integralcalculus. This was the beginning of theKumon Method of Learning.
Other parents became interested in Kumon's ideas, and in 1955, the first Kumon Center was opened inOsaka,Japan.[2] In 1958, Toru Kumon founded the Kumon Institute of Education.[1]
Toru Kumon died in Osaka on July 25, 1995, at the age of 81 frompneumonia.[3] There is a Toru Kumon museum in Osaka, Japan. Asteroid3569 Kumon is named after him.[4]
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