Kitoba Sunami was born on the island of Manhattan in 1975. Emigrating to the Midwest, he spent his childhood in Columbus, Ohio, where he still resides. Part African-American and part Japanese-American, Kitoba is proud to be part of what might be "America's smallest ethnic group."

Kitoba is a lifelong lover of books and stories, especially ones with plenty of magic and adventure. He lived for a year in Kenya, where he swam in the "Sea of Dreams" and received the name "Kitoba."

When asked if he really talks to imaginary people, believes in genies, and was abducted by aliens, Kitoba refuses to comment.