Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010
Where are you from and what brings you to Japan?
Several years ago, a Japanese doctor friend flew me from my home on the Australian Gold Coast to Osaka to do some magic shows. The minute I stepped off the plane, I was a big hit—it was a classic case of Charisma Man. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before.
Someone once suggested, “You can be anyone you want to be in Japan.” That line of thinking motivated me to travel the world for two years to shoot and produce a documentary on magic. I’m now married to a lovely Japanese lady and we just had a baby son.
Most nights I perform my magic in premier bars and clubs around Tokyo. I’ve performed for many big names including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ne-Yo, Akebono, Cuba Gooding Jr., Shaq O’Neal, Ja Rule and the maestro himself, Cyril Takayama.
Tell us about the upcoming show at 57 in Roppongi.
Wednesday, August 25 is the launch of an international magic group I’m producing called the Triksters. The event is a celebration of magic. The audience will be treated to almost exclusively close-up magic, with a dozen international and local world-class magicians interacting and personally entertaining guests to create a unique and crowd-pleasing experience.
Who’s your favorite magician?
Cyril has forged his own path and singlehandedly raised the bar for magic worldwide. He’s a genius and a very hard-working guy who gives everything for his art. He takes magic to a new level by applying motivation and creating a story to inspire and impact his audience emotionally.
What’s the most amazing bit of magic you ever saw?
I saw a Japanese magician, in a Tokyo club, take out a Stanley knife and near cut off his finger. I thought this guy must be yakuza and then he proceeded to wipe the blood away and—Shazam!—the cut was restored.
What do you think of the Japanese magic scene? The Japanese scene is very healthy, with many options for people to witness magic. Tokyo alone has over 25 magic bars. Japanese magicians are some of the most talented on the planet. What sets them apart are strong technical abilities and very high standards in terms of their approach to the art and business of magic. I highly recommend Magic Bar Issey in Tokyo (www.magicbarissey.com), French Drop magic bar in Osaka (www.frenchdrop.com/bar) and the new Lighthouse theater-restaurant in Fukuoka (www.lighthouse-theater.com).
Japanese magician Hiroki Hara recently won the World Teen Champion Of Magic. He is also one of the stars of the new documentary Make Believe. The film is receiving lots of attention in Hollywood, and is set for worldwide distribution.
We are in talks with Hiroki to join and complete the lineup for the Triksters, and he will perform at the Triksters Magic Party.
What’s your recipe for a perfect day in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a place where you can experience it all. I like to integrate the best of the city with some beautiful nature and gardens such as Shinjuku Gyoen. I’d end the day in style at Roppongi’s hottest new night spot, Vanity, where the skyline views are amazing and you can enjoy a superb dinner and dance the night away.
For more information about Troy Star, see www.triksters.com and www.troystarmovie.com.
Triksters@57. Aug 25, 7pm. B1F, 4-2-35 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5775-7857. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.fiftyseven.co.jp
