These days, Princess Tenko is popular in North Korea, too, with Kim Jong Il among her most avid fans. Although she started under the stage name of Hikita Tenko, the thirtysomething entertainer quickly assumed royal status in international circuits for her Houdini-like ability to escape fiery car crashes and vanish from suspended cable cars. Since she captivated the North Korean president during a show in Pyongyang two years ago, the princess has received continual invitations to perform again before the Dear Leader. But those Northern vibes don't seem to agree with her constitution. Back in Pyongyang last month for an extravaganza to mark the birthday of Kim's late father,Tenko became so ill during her visit she was hospitalized, delaying her return. Her ordeal fueled wide speculation in Japanese tabloids that the sudden sickness had been a ploy to keep her in Pyongyang. Some papers recalled how Tenko was almost kidnapped last year, and was besieged by mysterious callers, one of whom insisted that that "Kim Jong II would like you to come [to Pyongyang]." The princess is mystified by her following in the North: "I don't know why I am this popular or liked by their leader."
Asia Week May 12, 2000Princess Tenko
Princess Tenko in a flightsuit
