History of Hawaii Magic
International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) is an organization for both professional and amateur close-up and stage magicians, with approximately 15,000 members worldwide. The headquarters is in St. Charles, Missouri, and there are over 300 local groups, called Rings, in more than 30 countries, largely concentrated in cities of the United States and Canada, though there are members of the international organization from at least 80 different countries. The organization publishes a monthly periodical entitled The Linking Ring, which features tricks, coverage of shows and events in the magic community, and interviews with magicians.
The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) is the oldest fraternal magic organization in the world. Its purpose is "to advance, elevate, and preserve magic as a performing art, to promote harmonious fellowship throughout the world of magic, and to maintain and improve ethical standards in the field of magic."
To promote these endeavors the S.A.M. presents awards and fellowships in recognition of outstanding achievement in the Art of Magic.
Hawaii magicians documented their activities, organizations, performances, and secrets since the 1900s in magic journals.
Hawaii has been a destination of many world traveling magicians.
Visiting British magician - Professor John Henry Anderson (the Wizard of the North) performed to royalty of Hawaii in 1859.
Thorn, Darvin, and a fellow named Burton performed in Sydney, Australia in 1879. After a performance for King Kalakaua in the Hawaiian Islands in 1880, they headed for San Francisco, where they played the Standard Theater, infamous for hosting cancan dancers.
In 1912, the great Max Malini entertained Queen Liliuokalani. Japan's Tenkai also lived in Hawaii and performed during the 1940s war years.
Hawaii hosted magic conventions in 1945, 1960 and the major 1972 Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM) and 1983 International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.) conventions which attracted over a thousand registrants and included major talents such as Dai Vernon, Channing Pollock, Karrell Fox, Shimada, Mr. Electric, Harry Blackstone, Fantasio, Michael Skinner, Daryl, Michael Amar, Shigeo Futagawa, Paul Harris, and many more.
This year, the Society of American Magicians will induct as President Hawaii's magician - Ronald Ishimaru.
Hawaii have 2 magicians in the SAM Hall of fame - Jimmy Yoshida and Tenkai.
Hawaii magicians competed in numerous regional competitions such as PCAM, Texas Association of Magicians (TAOM), SAM, IBM, and Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM).
In 1978, John Hirokawa placed 1st in the junior General Magic. Les and Terri Au placed twice in the IBM gold medal stage competition.
Kelvin Chun placed 1st in the PCAM, TAOM stage contest and competed in the IBM gold medal stage competition.
In 1998 Pacific Coast Association of Magicians - PCAM - Seattle, Lot Kahawai placed 1st - Senior Stage, and Kristi Toguchi placed 1st - Junior Stage.
Hawaii magicians are performing artists and have preserved their creativity by publishing their works in professional journals and lecturing at major conventions.
Curtis Kam and Allen Okawa are well known Close-up magicians lecturing at numerous international magic conventions.
Hawaii magicians are performing artists and have preserved their creativity by publishing their works in professional journals and lecturing at major conventions.
They have many specialties in close-up, parlor and stage magic. The magic is a blend of western and eastern philosophy. A journal entry mentioned Harry Masunaga gathering ideas from the orient and the occident. "He comes to the center of the stage adorned in full Chinese attire, speaks in Japanese, and occidental music played by the orchestra running through his act! Beat that for being cosmopolitan."
There were magicians specializing in card and coin sleight of hands, and others performed escape artistry from ropes and chains. There were numerous disciplines that ranged from mind reading and telepathy to elaborate stage productions of cards, silk, and colorful props.
These magicians were locals, visiting servicemen, and travelers from around the world. They socialized and organized meetings and performances at private residences, excursions, restaurants, YMCA and hotel ballrooms.
These enthusiastic entertainers had stage names such as the "Professor," "Social Mystifier," "King of Coins," "Conjurer," "King of Hearts," "Chew Gum Long," "Nekko - the supreme mystifier," "Professor Tengu," and "Professor Fun."
Throughout history, the magicians subscribed and contributed to professional magicians' journals including "The Conjurer's Magazine, " "The Sphynx," "The Linking Ring," "The Seven Circles," and the "MUM : Magic Unity Might."
Hawaii magicians have created their own secret societies that is linked to the national and international societies. The International Brotherhood of Magicians have Rings 50, 4649, 559, and 185. The Society of American Magicians Assembly 89.
The names of the local organizations are:
1926 Harry Hanaoka #559
1928 Fat Sut Circle
1930 Ring 50
1931 Honolulu Mystic Circle
1932 International Magic Circle
1933 Cosmopolitan Magic Society
1933 Ring 4649
1947 Hawaii Magicians Society
1949The Kahuna
1949 Kamaaina (Old Timers) Magic Circle
1966 Dec.1 IBM Aloha Ring 185
1973 Society of American Magicians Aloha Assembly #89
Hawaii Society of American Magicians Jimmy
2002 Monty's Magic Theater
2004
P.R.I.S.M.- (Hawaii Magic 5-0)
PACIFIC RIM INNER SECRET MAGIC
Below are more details of members, and activities which included conventions, contests and achievements.
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British magician - Professor John Henry Anderson (the Wizard of the North) performed to the royalty of Hawaii in 1859.
1912 Max Malini performance in Honolulu
When Max Malini (1873–1942) — one of the greatest magicians of all time — arrived at Honolulu in 1912 on the first of several visits to Hawaii, he entertained Queen Liliuokalani at a luncheon given in her honor.
In 1933, the Fat Sut Circle was considered the best organized club in Hawaii. "Fat Sut is magic in Chinese. This club, composed of strictly Chinese living in Hawaii, extends its workings not only to magic alone, but also to any social activities."
May 15, 1920
Chas. D McNerney
Rope and Chain Escape Artist
Performance in Minneapolis
December 15, 1924
Harry Hanaoka card effects article to
The Sphynx - SAM
1926 Ring 559
Harry Hanaoka
1928
Fat Sut Circle - a Chinese Magic and Social club..
1933
Fat Sut Circle
Reginald Lee, President, (IMC- International Magic Circle)
Milo Lum, Vice President, (IBM)
Robert Ching, Secretary
Peter Look, Treasurer (Shanghai Magic Festival)
Paul Sam Ching, Sergeant of Arms)
May 1930
Ring No 50
Honolulu, Hawaii
President Harry Hanaoka
Vice President Chas. D McNerney
Secretary Harry Masunaga
Treasurer Edward Cooper
October 1931
International Magic Circle
Milo Lum
Dr David Katsuki
Harry Hanaoka
Victor Aquina
Lawrence Kam
April 1932
Honolulu Mystic Circle
Lawrence Kam
Harry Hanaoka
David Katsuki
Benny Matsunaga
Nora Kaya
Sumiko Okada
February 8, 1933
Cosmopolitan Magic Society
Prof. Lawrence Kam, President
Prof. Clarence Silva, Vice President
Prof. Harry Hanaoka & Prof. Milo Lum (Social Mystifier)
Publicity Chairman
Prof. Kamehameha Wong, Secretary and Treasurer
Prof. David Nekko, General Affairs
Prof. George Lake, Program Chair
Prof. E. Crabbe, Assistant
March 1933
IBM 4649
Harry Masunaga
Japan Magician Tenkai performance for the Fernandez Circus on November 21, 1939 in Honolulu
December 1945
Honolulu Magicians Annual Conference
Milo Lum
Tenkai and Okinu
George Lake
Wallace Yes
Lt. Cmdr Patrick Lyman
David Cheong-Marn
Alan Chang
Bill Murata (Chew Gum Long)
Lawrence Kam
Andrew Park
Harry Okimoto
Henry Luke
Larry Pritchett
Albert Ching
March 2, 1947
Hawaii Magic Society
President Vernon Kuhns
Secretary Amos Nakamura
January 23, 1948
Hawaii Magic Society
Benefit Performance to National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis
1948
Hawaii Magic Society
Victor Koehler, President
Harry Okamoto, Vice President
Charles E. Penton, Secretary
Amos Nakamura, Treasurer
Official minutes was documented in “The Kahuna” in 1949.
April 1949
Kamaaina (Old Timers) Magic Circle
Andrew Park, President
George Lake, Vice President
Charles E. Penton, Secretary
Milo Lum, Treasurer
Allen Chang, Sergeant at Arms
Herbert Weatherwax, Harry Okimoto, Jimmie Kalilikane, Dr. Richard W. You - Directors
Performance to Servicemen in Guam by Andrew Park
February 1952
Kamaaina Magic Circle
Dr. Richard W. You, President
Milo Lum, Vice President
Carolyn Yap, Recording Secretary
Rose McCarty, Corresponding Secretary
You Kai Chang, Treasurer
Liko Pang, Sergeant at Arms
Andrew Park, Advisor
1960
Hawaii's first Magic Convention
Hawaii currently have 2 adult magic organizations:
December 1, 1966
International Brotherhood of Magicians
Hawaii Magic Society
Aloha Ring
Ring 185
Sam Chung, President
Leroy TWK Sui, Secretary
1969
Fred Ball, President
James Yoshida, Secretary
Illusions Unlimited / Junior Magic Club 1969 to 1974
1970-71
James Yoshida, President
Robert Windham, Vice President
Lyle Merriman, Secretary
See Kong Goo, Treasurer
Allen Okawa, Sergeant at Arms
1971
Pacific Coast Association of Magicians - PCAM
Close-up contest
Allen Okawa
July 2-5, 1972
Pacific Coast Association of Magicians - PCAM -Hawaii Convention
Sheraton Waikiki
January 1, 1973
Society of American Magicians Charter
1978 FISM Junior
John Hirokawa
1st General Magic
teenage club in the '70's
that produced their own shows (giving us the experience to produce later club events like 2000's MAGIC & COMEDY BLAST! and
the more recent HAWAII MAGIC FESTIVAL series:
FYI "ILLUSIONS UNLIMITED" (Teenage Magic club, mostly students of Jimmy Yoshida) 1971-1975
There was a club by and for teenage magicians of note for producing several club shows completely on their own from 1971 to 1975,
This was "Illusions Unlimited" the core of which were students from the magic classes of Jimmy Yoshida. Members as young as 13 actually
created new acts for every show. Then met at ZIPPYS or ANNA MILLERS to go over the results and plan the next one.
The club was fairly prolific, producing up to 2 shows a year.often to packed halls at THE WISTERIA>
For one show, members divided radio personality Keala Kai in the ZIGZAG illusion.
Performers included John Hirokawa, Curtis Kam, Mike Ching, Christopher Ferreira, Way Wong, Marvin Oka, K.O. Skinsnes, Charles Young,
Stanford Egi, Alson Inaba, Dean Harada, Greg Gabaylo, and also Alan Arita & Kelvin Chun I believe,and more. Guests adults initially hosted the shows
such as Jimmy Yoshida of course, Norm Gold, Derrick Lord,Clown duo Flower & Posey (Chuck & Joan Lehr?), Teenage members then assumed
hosting duties.
July 1-4, 1983
IBM Hawaii Convention
Pacific Beach hotel
International Brotherhood of Magicians
Leslie and Terry Au
Award of Merit
1991 Stage Contest - Baltimore
Gold Medal Finalist - Top 6
Mike Ching published "NEW ANIMATIONS" The Dancing Handkerchief Book in June 1991.
1992 Kauai SAM Assembly 229
Peter Badua, President
1995 Franz Harary at Aloha Stadium E.K. Fernandez State Fair
1993 - 1997
Hawaii International Magic Arts Festival
Hawaii 5th Annual Magic Convention in Paradise
Hawaii Wonderworkers Workshop
1993 1st Annual Hawaii Close-up Competition
2nd Michael Wong
3rd Jim Kawashima
1996
International Brotherhood of Magicians
Leslie and Terry Au
Stage Contest
Gold Medal Finalist - Top 6
1996
Curtis Kam
Professional Close-up Magic
Palms of Steel
1998 Pacific Coast Association of Magicians - PCAM - Seattle
1st - Senior Stage, Lot Kahawai
1st - Junior Stage, Kristi Toguchi
1997 Franz Harary - Blaisdell Arena
2000 Pacific Coast Association of Magicians - PCAM - Tacoma
1st - Senior Stage, Kelvin Chun
2002 Monty's Magic Theater
2003 Texas Association of Magicians - TAOM - Lubbock
1st - Senior Stage, Kelvin Chun
2004
P.R.I.S.M.- (Hawaii Magic 5-0)
PACIFIC RIM INNER SECRET MAGIC
International Brotherhood of Magicians
Kelvin Chun
2005 Stage Contest - Reno
Gold Medal Finalist - Top 6
2006 Franz Harary @ Hawaii Theater
2012 Koolau Theater
2012- 2017
Holiday Magic
Annual Hawai‘i Magic Festival
2018 Society of American Magicians, President
Ronald Ishimaru
Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame Hawaii membership
http://www.samhalloffame.com/members/
Tenkai and Okinu (Sadajiro Ishida) 1889-1972; 1895-?
Jimmy Yoshida (1920-2011) was a magic dealer and magician, performing as Tengu, in Hawaii.
Yoshida started a magic shop and a magic school on the island of Oahu, becoming known as the "Godfather of Magic" in the islands. He continued to perform until he was 81.
2022 Kelvin Chun SAM Close Up Finalist
International Brotherhood of Magicians' Ring 185 - Hawaii Magicians Society
Official minutes was documented in “The Kahuna” in 1949.
This organization was International Brotherhood of Magicians' Ring 185 - Hawaii Magicians Society.
Hawaii currently have 2 adult magic organizations:
The International Brotherhood of Magicians' Ring 185 - Hawaii Magicians Society.
http://www.hawaiimagicclub.com/
The Society of American Magicians: Jimmy Yoshida Aloha Assembly #89
Hawaii Magic Club Assembly #89
S.Y.M.-Society of Young Magicians Assembly #107
The International Brotherhood of Magicians is the world’s largest organization of magicians, with members in 88 countries. Founded in 1922 by Len Vintus and Gene Gordon, the I.B.M.’s membership today includes the top professional magicians and thousands of enthusiastic hobbyists from all walks of life.
Chun, a member since 1995 in Ring 185 (Hawaii Magic Society), is currently the Hawaii Territorial Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Chun is an award winning educator, magician, balloon sculptor, and kite enthusiast from Honolulu, Hawaii.
The history of magic and the entertainment industry in Hawaii goes back during the war years of the 40s ...Bill Murata, a veteran record producer based in Hawaii, started Tropical Music, Inc. in 1974, was a magician.
http://www.discogs.com/artist/2665988-Bill-Murata
Our local magicians would develop tricks of their own and publish these effects in magic journals:
Waikiki Location
This location is the invention of Bill Murata, a resident of Waikiki, who marketed this card location anonymously as a manuscript. This would apparently have been through the name of The House of Magic under the title of
“The Waikiki Card Location.” It was advertised in The Sphinx, Vol. 44 No. 5, July 1945, p. 126. The trick was reviewed in Walter Gibson's Conjurors' Magazine, Vol. 1 No. 8, Sep. 1945, p. 15.
by Curtis Kam » 09/06/12 08:42 PM
Speaking of unpublished Tenkai material, you may know that Tenkai was a "guest" of the US government during WWII, and he was interned in Hawaii. Local magicians Bill Murata and Jimmy Yoshida visited with him frequently, and Jimmy kept a notebook of the tricks Tenkai taught them.
.....
Tenkai lived for some time in Chicago. While a resident of Los Angeles, he was performing in Honolulu when Japan bombed pearl harbor during World War II. He was not permitted to leave Hawaii.
In the 1958, he moved back to Japan.
http://www.hawaiilibrary.net/article/whebn0003393276/tenkai%20palm