Princess Tenko is the stage name of the internationally-famous Japanese magician and illusionist, Mariko Itakura. Prior to being apprenticed in 1976 to the first Tenko magician, Tenko Hikita, she was already well-known singer with the stage name Mari Asakaze. She assumed the Tenko name on Dec. 15, 1980 after the death of her teacher the previous year.