Toru Kumon was a Japanese educator and the founder of the Kumon Method, a popular after-school learning program. Born in 1914, he initially developed the method to help his son with mathematics. The approach emphasizes self-learning and mastery of concepts through incremental progression. The Kumon Method focuses on individualized study plans, allowing students to work at their own pace. This method has expanded globally, helping millions of children improve their math and reading skills. Today, there are thousands of Kumon centers worldwide, continuing Toru Kumon's legacy in education.