Haruo Shimada

Haruo Shimada (December 19, 1940 – April 30, 2022) was a Japanese magician known for his elegant and classical performance style. Throughout his career, he performed silently, using his expressive eyes and precise movements to captivate audiences worldwide. He was particularly renowned for his innovative parasol and dove acts.

Early life Haruo Shimada was born on December 19, 1940, in Tokyo, Japan. His interest in magic began at the age of 15 when he discovered a Tenyo Magic counter at a local department store in Tokyo. Due to crowded schools in post-war Tokyo, Shimada attended classes at night, which allowed him to work during the day demonstrating magic tricks at various Tenyo Magic Corners in Mitsukoshi department stores throughout Tokyo.

Under the guidance of Tenyo, Shimada developed his foundational skills in close-up magic. His early training was significantly influenced by three major Japanese magical traditions: Tenyo, Tenkō, and Tenkai. In 1957, the Grand Master of Japanese magic, Tenkai Ishida, returned to Japan after spending 30 years in America, and Shimada began taking lessons from him, further refining his sleight of hand techniques.

Career Early career in Japan Shimada made his professional debut at the age of 17 with a Billiard Ball Routine. His talent was quickly recognized, and he was invited to perform a command performance for Emperor Hirohito of Japan in 1960, alongside his mentor Tenkō Hikita.

A pivotal moment in Shimada's career came when he was 19 years old and saw the American magician Channing Pollock in the 1959 film "European Nights." Inspired by Pollock's elegant dove act and charismatic stage presence, Shimada began developing his own dove magic. Working independently from Pollock's methods, he created several innovative techniques, including his bare hand production of a dove on a cane, a dove appearing on a fan of cards, and the splitting of a dove in two. He debuted this act in 1961.

In 1975, Shimada enhanced his parasol act by adding a spectacular finale: a 60-foot fire-breathing dragon transposition. In this dramatic sequence, after producing a multitude of colorful parasols, he would battle gigantic dragons in a mythical tale set against a kabuki theater backdrop.

Shimada's legacy in the magic world is profound. He was a pioneer of stage manipulation and parasol magic who changed the art form forever. His daughter, Luna Shimada, continues the family tradition with her own successful career in magic.

Awards and recognition Throughout his career, Shimada received numerous awards and recognitions, including: Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) Visiting Magician of the Year (1972) AMA Magician of the Year (1973, 1974, 1976) Tenkai Prize (1975) AMA Performing Fellowship (1989)

Publications Shimada Haruo no Bon (The Book of Haruo Shimada) (1977)