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Ken Hakuta
Ken Hakuta
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Brief
Known For
Inventing the Wacky WallWalker toy, hosting the "Dr. Fad" segment on CBS's "The CBS Morning News", Japanese novelty items.
Key Dates and Places
  • Born Date: 1951.
  • Born Place: Seoul, South Korea.
Career
  • Current occupation: Entrepreneur, inventor, television personality, marketing consultant.
  • Current Place of Work: Hakuta International (likely self-employed).
  • Previous Place of Work: CBS (as Dr. Fad), numerous consulting clients.
Education
Harvard University (AB), Harvard Business School (MBA).
Main Milestones
Birth in Korea
1951
Ken Hakuta was born in Korea in 1951. While specifics of his early childhood are relatively private, his Korean heritage and upbringing undoubtedly influenced his later entrepreneurial ventures and his ability to bridge cultural gaps in the American market.
Immigration to the United States
1960s
Hakuta immigrated to the United States during the 1960s. Adapting to a new culture and language likely instilled in him a resourcefulness and adaptability that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Harvard University Studies
Early 1970s
Hakuta attended Harvard University, where he studied economics and East Asian studies. This rigorous academic background provided him with the analytical skills and knowledge base crucial for navigating the complexities of business and international markets.
Discovery of the Wacky WallWalker
Late 1970s
While visiting Korea, Hakuta stumbled upon a simple, sticky toy called the 'Wacky WallWalker.' Recognizing its potential appeal to American consumers, he secured the rights to import and market it in the U.S.
The 'Dr. Fad' Phenomenon
Early 1980s
Hakuta launched the 'Wacky WallWalker' in the United States and aggressively promoted it through clever marketing strategies, including television commercials and appearances on talk shows. He adopted the persona of 'Dr. Fad,' a catchy and memorable moniker that helped him connect with consumers. The WallWalker became a massive hit, selling millions and transforming Hakuta into a celebrated entrepreneur and marketing guru.
Entrepreneurial Expansion
Mid 1980s
Riding on the success of the Wacky WallWalker, Hakuta continued to explore and introduce other novel products to the American market. While none achieved the same level of iconic status, they solidified his reputation as an innovative entrepreneur.
Continued Innovation and Ventures
Late 1980s-Present
Hakuta shifted his focus to other areas, including technology and media. He has been involved in various ventures, demonstrating a sustained interest in innovation and finding new ways to connect with audiences. He has become known as a media personality and continues to provide commentary on business, marketing, and culture.
Founding of 'Brain Games'
2003
Ken Hakuta founded the board game company 'Brain Games' in 2003, where he created the award-winning game, 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' based on the popular television show. This venture demonstrated his ability to diversify and capitalize on trends in entertainment and education.
Media Collections
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Timelines
7

Wacky WallWalker Timeline

Discovery of the WallWalker Concept
Late 1970s
Hakuta is inspired by a sticky toy he encounters, recognizing its potential appeal to children and develops the Wacky WallWalker.
National Television Debut on 'The Today Show'
1982
Hakuta showcases the Wacky WallWalker on 'The Today Show', leading to an explosive surge in demand. His appearance highlights his marketing savvy and the toy's immediate popularity.
Peak of WallWalker Popularity
1983
The Wacky WallWalker becomes a national phenomenon, selling millions of units and solidifying Hakuta's reputation as an innovative entrepreneur.
Decline in WallWalker Popularity
Mid-1980s
Like many toy fads, the Wacky WallWalker's popularity wanes. However, its success provided a platform for Hakuta's future ventures.
Legacy of the Wacky WallWalker
Present Day
The Wacky WallWalker remains a nostalgic icon of the 1980s, often referenced in pop culture and remembered fondly by those who grew up during that era.

Advocacy and Community Involvement Timeline

Advocacy for Korean American Issues
1990s - Present
Participates in initiatives supporting Korean American issues, leveraging his heritage and experience to advocate for the community.
Support for Local Businesses in Washington D.C.
2000s - Present
Provides support and resources to local businesses in the Washington, D.C. area, contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Philanthropic Activities
Present Day
Engages in philanthropic activities. The details are not always public but contributing to various causes and organizations.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Business Activities Timeline

Hakuta's Matata Corp
Early 1980s
Establishes Matata Corp as the company responsible for the marketing and distribution of the Wacky WallWalker
Other Toy and Gadget Inventions
Late 1980s-1990s
Ventures into other toy and gadget inventions, seeking to replicate the success of the Wacky WallWalker, although none reached the same level of popularity.
Focus on Korean Produce
2000s - Present
Shifts his entrepreneurial focus toward importing and promoting Korean produce, leveraging his heritage and interest in healthy foods.
Advocacy for Korean and Asian Businesses
Present Day
Uses his business experience and platform to advocate for Korean and Asian businesses, supporting entrepreneurship within those communities.

Personal Life and Relationships Timeline

Marriage
Mid-1980s
Details about Ken Hakuta's marriage are generally not publically available.
Fatherhood
1980s-1990s
Ken Hakuta has sons. While specific details of his children are not usually public, his family remains an important aspect of his life.
Family Life in Washington, D.C.
Present Day
He continues to reside in the Washington, D.C. area. He is known to spend time with his sons.

Main milestones

Birth in Korea
1951
Ken Hakuta was born in Korea in 1951. While specifics of his early childhood are relatively private, his Korean heritage and upbringing undoubtedly influenced his later entrepreneurial ventures and his ability to bridge cultural gaps in the American market.
Immigration to the United States
1960s
Hakuta immigrated to the United States during the 1960s. Adapting to a new culture and language likely instilled in him a resourcefulness and adaptability that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Harvard University Studies
Early 1970s
Hakuta attended Harvard University, where he studied economics and East Asian studies. This rigorous academic background provided him with the analytical skills and knowledge base crucial for navigating the complexities of business and international markets.
Discovery of the Wacky WallWalker
Late 1970s
While visiting Korea, Hakuta stumbled upon a simple, sticky toy called the 'Wacky WallWalker.' Recognizing its potential appeal to American consumers, he secured the rights to import and market it in the U.S.
The 'Dr. Fad' Phenomenon
Early 1980s
Hakuta launched the 'Wacky WallWalker' in the United States and aggressively promoted it through clever marketing strategies, including television commercials and appearances on talk shows. He adopted the persona of 'Dr. Fad,' a catchy and memorable moniker that helped him connect with consumers. The WallWalker became a massive hit, selling millions and transforming Hakuta into a celebrated entrepreneur and marketing guru.
Entrepreneurial Expansion
Mid 1980s
Riding on the success of the Wacky WallWalker, Hakuta continued to explore and introduce other novel products to the American market. While none achieved the same level of iconic status, they solidified his reputation as an innovative entrepreneur.
Continued Innovation and Ventures
Late 1980s-Present
Hakuta shifted his focus to other areas, including technology and media. He has been involved in various ventures, demonstrating a sustained interest in innovation and finding new ways to connect with audiences. He has become known as a media personality and continues to provide commentary on business, marketing, and culture.
Founding of 'Brain Games'
2003
Ken Hakuta founded the board game company 'Brain Games' in 2003, where he created the award-winning game, 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' based on the popular television show. This venture demonstrated his ability to diversify and capitalize on trends in entertainment and education.

Television and Media Appearances Timeline

'The Today Show' Appearance
1982
His pivotal appearance on 'The Today Show' to promote the Wacky WallWalker is his first major media exposure, demonstrating the power of television in launching a product.
Frequent Television Appearances
Mid-1980s
After the success of the WallWalker, Hakuta makes multiple appearances on television shows, solidifying his role as an expert on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Radio and Print Media
1990s - 2000s
Engages in radio interviews and is featured in print articles, expanding his reach beyond television. He shares his insights on business and product development.
Continued Media Presence
2010s - Present
He continues to make occasional media appearances, often discussing the legacy of the Wacky WallWalker and his other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Early Life and Education Timeline

Birth in Korea
1951
Ken Hakuta is born in Korea. His early childhood experiences would later inform his worldview and entrepreneurial spirit.
Immigration to the United States
1953
The Hakuta family immigrates to the United States, a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his education and career.
Growing Up in Washington, D.C.
1960s
Hakuta spends his formative years in Washington, D.C., attending local schools. This period is likely significant in shaping his understanding of American culture and values.
Sidwell Friends School Graduation
1969
Graduates from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic program. This accomplishment suggests a strong academic foundation.
Harvard University, B.A.
1973
Graduates from Harvard University. While his exact major isn't universally documented, it is known that he attended Harvard and received a B.A. degree. This demonstrates his intellectual capabilities and opens doors to future opportunities.
Harvard Business School, MBA
1975
Completes his MBA at Harvard Business School. This education provides him with the business acumen and strategic thinking necessary to launch and manage successful ventures.
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Articles
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Saves collections
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Days in Chronicle
5
1 January, 2002
Ken Hakuta's grandfather, Paik Nag-seung, was accused of being a Chinilpa (traitor and collaborator with the Japanese during their occupation of Korea). This event is part of Hakuta's family history.
1 January, 1983
Ken Hakuta began being known as Dr. Fad. It signifies the start of his public persona and his involvement in promoting fads and inventions.
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Ken Hakuta

Ken Hakuta (born 1951), known as Dr. Fad since 1983, is an American businessman, inventor, and television personality. Hakuta, as Dr. Fad, was the host of the popular children's invention TV show The Dr. Fad Show, which ran from 1988 to 1994. The show featured children's inventions and promoted creativity and inventiveness in children. Hakuta was the organizer of four Fad Fairs, conventions of inventors with fun, wacky ideas, in Detroit, New York City and Philadelphia.

Key Information

Overview

[edit]

Hakuta imported and merchandised the Wacky Wall Walker,[1][2] one of the best selling toys of the 1980s. The Wacky Wall Walker became a fad hit in 1983, and over 240 million units have sold. In 1983, NBC aired an animated Christmas special, Deck the Halls with Wacky Walls, to capitalize on the toy fad.[3] Their popularity peaked after the Kellogg Company inserted them as free prizes in cereal boxes. The VH1 program "I Love the 80s: 1983" features Dr. Fad and the Wall Walkers.

Hakuta is also an art collector[4] and is particularly known for a large group of Shaker items, furniture and other pieces, that he purchased in 1991. These are now part of the so-called Mount Lebanon Shaker Society collection.[5]

In 1998, Hakuta built on his long-standing interest in herbal medicine to found AllHerb.com, an eCommerce company offering herbal remedy products and information. AllHerb.com sought to differentiate itself from other competitors in the space by positioning itself as "the most authentic resource for herbal medicine available today"; for instance, one of its spokespeople was a shaman, tribal healer, and herbalist from the Peruvian rainforest. AllHerb.com ceased operations in February 2000.[6]

Hakuta has been featured in numerous media including: The Washington Post, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Detroit Free Press, USA Today, Time, Newsweek, Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Entrepreneurship, Business Week, CBS Evening News, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Oprah, Geraldo, Today Show, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Don and Mike Show, Larry King, and numerous radio shows around the country. There are two Harvard Business School case studies on AllHerb.com: "Ken Hakuta: AllHerb.com" and "AllHerb.com: Evolution of an E-tailer".

Personal life

[edit]

Hakuta was born in Seoul, South Korea. His Korean name is Paik Kun (백건), and he was born as the first child of Paik Nam-il, who was the CEO of a textile manufacturing company originally owned by his father, Paik Nag-seung, who was accused in 2002 of having been a Chinilpa, or traitor and collaborator with the Japanese during their occupation of Korea. The textile manufacturing company was the biggest of its kind during the Japanese colonial era in Korea. His family relocated to Japan in 1951, where they changed their Korean surname to a Japanese name based on the original Chinese character (白). Ken Hakuta subsequently grew up in Japan. He received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard University in 1977. Hakuta married Marilou Cantiller, a Filipina he met while the pair worked at the World Bank, in 1977. The pair have three children: Justin, Kenzo, and Aki.[7] Justin is the former husband of comedian Ali Wong.[8]

Hakuta is the nephew of the video artist Nam June Paik and was the manager of Paik's New York City studio at the time of his death.[9] He is the executor of his uncle's estate.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "In Manila, a New Nam June Paik Show Is Taken as a Sign of the Growth of the Contemporary Art Market in the Philippines". artnet News. November 15, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  2. ^ "Got a zany product idea? Call Dr. Fad". The Christian Science Monitor. August 11, 1988. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  3. ^ Woolery, George W. (1989). Animated TV Specials: The Complete Directory to the First Twenty-Five Years, 1962-1987. Scarecrow Press. pp. 108–109. ISBN 0-8108-2198-2. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Nguyen, Sophia (July 31, 2018). "Silver, Screens". Harvard Magazine. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  5. ^ Chicago Tribune
  6. ^ Hbs.edu
  7. ^ "Justin Hakuta: Everything You Need to Know about Ali Wong's Husband". earnthenecklace.com. August 4, 2017.
  8. ^ "Who Is Ali Wong's Husband? New Details On Justin Hakuta". YourTango. July 3, 2018. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
  9. ^ The New York Times
[edit]
Hub tags
#marketer#man#entrepreneur#wholesaler#inventor#television#american#entertainer#person#japanese
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