FOREWORD - In recent times, when conversation turns to the relationship between the United States and Japan, the focus tends to be upon imports, exports and trade friction. The relationship between the magicians of those two countries is also concerned with trade -- but happily enough without friction. During the nineteenth century western audiences had their first experience with Asian magicians who trouped the theater stages of Europe and America. Their work had a profound impact on the magicians of the west, many of whom quickly learned the techniques of Asian magic and adapted it to their won work. Conversely, the oriental performers picked up new magic from their occidental contemporaries, which they brought back to their home countries. During the modern era, this exchange of ideas and information between east and west has escalated, most specifically between the U.S. and Japan. The individual who has had the most involvement in this artistic dialogue is the subject of this book, Shigeo Takagi. By profession, Takagi has been a translator for the Japanese equivalent of the Library of congress. His linguistic abilities have enabled him to absorb the detailed literature of western magic, augmented by his own creative and analytical input. For decades, he has generously shared his knowledge and understanding of magic with the magicians of Japan. Shigeo Takagi has always been an amateur, in the literal sense of that work: he is involved with magic for the sheer love of it. His infatuation is by no means recent. He can vividly recall the experience, as a child, of standing on a chair in the back of a hall, craning to get a better view of Max Malini when that master performed in Tokyo. In this book you will see how Takagi's infatuation has evolved into a rarified body of work. Each routine has been meticulously honed over a period of time, each detail carefully determined. It is a diverse assortment of material, as befits a man who has a wide range of interests. Takagi is, in some respects, the Walter Gibson of Japan, having authored dozens of books not only for magicians but for the general public. Many of these are devoted to conjuring, of course, but his topics also include related areas such as puzzles, games, hypnosis, memory, psychology and philosophy. Shigeo Takagi that rarity, both a gentleman and a gentle man. Because of his altruism, countless magicians have benefited. Now, you will have and opportunity to join their number. Max Maven, Hollywood, CA, February, 1990.