Courtesy of http://www.magicnewzealand.com
- It is with sadness that we learn of Shimada's death.
Rest in Peace!
Shimada was first interested in magic when he got a job demonstrating
tricks at the Tenyo Magic Shop in Tokyo. He starting performing
professionally at the age of 18 and was invited to a command performance
before Emperor Hirohito.
He created a dove act after seeing Channing Pollock in the 1962 Italian
film European Nights.
Shimada left Japan in 1965 to tour Mexico and Australia. While in
Australia he met and married Deanna, who became part of his act.
Together, they toured twenty countries. They moved to United States in
1970 where he premiered his oriental-style Parasol Act.
In 1975, he premiered his Dragon Act in which, after producing a
multitude of colorful parasols, he battles gigantic 60 foot long
fire-breathing dragons in a mythical tale set against a spectacular
kabuki theater backdrop. Up to this point, his act had been done in
Western-style costume, a modified tail suit. Shimada decided that to
satisfy his repeat customers, a second, Eastern-costumed and -styled act
would have to be developed.
Shimada who performed as Liberace's opening act at the Hilton Las Vegas
in 1982. For five years, he appeared as the guest star of the Riviera
Hotel's "Splash" where he featured his Dove Act. He was the first
Japanese entertainer to star in a Las Vegas production show for an
extended multiple year contract.
Four television specials in Japan were filmed around him in 1989.
He has appeared on the tonight show with Johnny Carson four times and
has also worked with Merv Griffin, Dick Cavett, Bill Cosby.
His daughter Luna Shimada, carries on the magic tradition.
Biographical source: Magicpedia #geniimagazine
