Sleight-of-Hand With A Smile: An Interview with Orlando Magician Jimmy Ichihana
Orlando, Florida is a hub for all things entertainment, from theme parks to theater productions. But it’s also home to a thriving magic scene, and one of its brightest stars is Jimmy Ichihana. With his dazzling sleight-of-hand and personable demeanor, Jimmy has been entertaining audiences for two decades. And with his infectious love for the art of magic, he’s inspiring others to take up the craft as well.
Jimmy Finds His Magic
Jimmy has practiced sleight-of-hand ever since his uncle and cousin performed a card trick for him as a child.
Growing up in New York, Jimmy’s interest in magic was sparked by a card trick performed by his uncle and cousin. “The performance deeply fooled me, and I loved it,” Jimmy says. He was so troubled by the routine that he kept poking his uncle’s cards with his finger. “Thankfully, the method holds up to annoying spectator behavior.”
From there, he attended Tannen’s Magic Camp and was hooked. “I walked into my room with two packs of cards, and my roommate rolled in with doves and a rabbit,” Jimmy recalls. “The kid in the shared bathroom was floating his toothbrush in front of the mirror.” It was the perfect summer camp experience for the young magician and exposed him to the breadth of the world of magic.
But it wasn’t until he joined Kostya Kimlat’s team of See Magic Live magicians that Jimmy’s career really took off. “During college, I went to two of Kostya’s lectures in New York,” he recalls. “I watched him in Rochester one night and then immediately drove over to Buffalo to catch him the next night.” He liked Kostya’s magic so much that when he moved to Orlando 11 years later, he emailed him within the first week of arriving in 2015. “We grabbed some coffee, and I joined the team for a performance at a charity gala.” Jimmy has been performing with See Magic Live ever since.
“Performing with a team has been incredibly fun and fruitful,” Jimmy says. “Sharing ideas and helping each other has led to wonderful connections, growth, and opportunities.”
And those opportunities have been many. Jimmy has performed on Penn and Teller: Fool Us and at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood, Ca. But no matter the venue or audience, Jimmy’s approach remains the same. “When I perform, I hope to leave the room a little bit happier,” he says. “The goal isn’t to share a story but to hopefully create a shared experience, create a little memory/story with the audience I’m performing for.”
Orlando magician Jimmy Ichihana has twice appeared on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” on the CW.
Creating a Shared Experience
That shared experience is what sets Jimmy apart from other magicians. His magic is a reflection of his influences, which range from Buffalo to Madrid to a variety of magicians of the past, all filtered through what he enjoys and thinks is worth sharing. And what he enjoys most is close-up magic with cards. “Cards are familiar and the possibilities with them are endless,” he explains. “They are convenient to carry and therefore get the most practice time from me.”
Orlando sleight-of-hand magician Jimmy Ichihana performs at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.
And that practice has paid off. Watching Jimmy perform is like watching a master at work. His movements are precise, and his patter is engaging. But he never loses sight of the fact that magic is ultimately about creating a connection with the audience. “Magic lives in the audience’s mind,” he says. “I need the audience to determine if those actions are magic. Ideas come to life, and the audience tells you what worked.”
When preparing for big opportunities, Jimmy relies on the support of friends and family to help him overcome any challenges. “Every big opportunity that I’ve had, I’ve had incredible support from friends and family to prepare in the best way possible.”
Dedication Pays Off
Despite his success, Jimmy remains humble and always willing to share his knowledge with others. When asked for advice for aspiring magicians, he stresses the importance of studying what you enjoy and being open to criticism. “Study what you enjoy, share what you enjoy, be willing to listen to advice and criticism,” he advises.
Orlando magician Jimmy Ichihana loves to create a feeling of wonder for his audiences.
With his talent, passion, and dedication to the art of magic, there’s no doubt that Jimmy Ichihana will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. Whether he’s performing for a small crowd at a steakhouse or a packed theater at a prestigious venue, he’s sure to leave his audience spellbound. As Jimmy himself puts it, “Magic is about creating a little moment of amazement and wonder. And if I can do that, then I’ve done my job.”
With his love for magic and his passion for inspiring others, Jimmy Ichihana is a true magician in every sense of the word. He has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from others, anyone can achieve their dreams. And as he continues to perform and innovate, he’s sure to leave a lasting impact on the magic world.
In the end, it’s not just Jimmy’s magic that makes him stand out. It’s his genuine love for people and his desire to make their lives a little bit brighter. He understands that magic isn’t just about tricks and illusions, but about creating a connection with the audience and making them feel like anything is possible.
To book Jimmy Ichihana to perform magic at your event, contact See Magic Live at booking@seemagiclive.com, call/text 407-367-4133, or contact the booking team here.
