"The National Magic Festival: Japan's Best Magician Championship SP," featuring world-renowned Japanese magicians competing against each other, will air on Fuji TV's "Saturday Premium" slot (Saturdays at 9 PM) on March 14th. This is the first-ever award competition in the history of Japanese magic, where performances will be judged on four categories (25 points each, 100 points total) – "Technique," "Performance Composition," "Originality," and "Impact" – to determine Japan's best magician.
The "National Magic Festival," which concluded last time with izuma's victory for showcasing a fantastical, Japanese-style world and a richly narrative performance, will feature nine more contestants this time, including JONIO, who came in second place, SORA, who reached the finals but fell just short, as well as Saito Taiga, Jinbo Kenko, Tokyo Tomo, Nojima Nobuyuki, MiiNA, LUNA, and Mossan.
This time too, unpredictable magic tricks will be performed one after another. Infinitely appearing playing cards, teleporting coins, Japanese-style illusions, dice tricks... From new magic tricks created specifically for this tournament to seasoned techniques honed over many years, there will be a plethora of breathtaking performances.
The judges will be legendary magicians Princess Tenko, Dr. Leon, KiLa, Shuto Ogawa, and Shinpei Katsuragawa. The MCs will be Akira Kawashima from the comedy duo "Kirin," actress Yuki Uchida, and "Chocolate Planet" (Shohei Osada and Shun Matsuo). Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Wakako Shimazaki, and Riko Fukumoto will appear as guests.
Kawashima appealed, "This year's level is definitely higher than last year's! Nine magicians, each capable of entertaining for two hours on their own, come together for a serious five-minute competition. It was truly a luxury to witness that 'eye of victory.' Moreover, the fact that there are strict professional judges makes it even more interesting. There is no other show where sparks fly with magic like this! You absolutely must not miss it!"
Furthermore, Kusanagi said, "I was deeply moved by the courage of the magicians who performed while being judged by legends. It made me realize once again the importance of not giving up and working hard," showing that he was touched by the serious competition.
