Who is Shirayuri?
I’m a professional magician based in Tokyo. I perform at private events and I also appear on television shows alot. This year, I was invited to perform on Japan’s biggest magic show on national TV, which was met with great acclaim. Of course, I’m considered incredibly handsome in Japan – ha! I spend about half of the year performing in Australia with Maho Magic Bar, I love Australia!
My stage name means ‘White Lily’ in Japanese. My grandparents used to run a cosmetics shop called Shirayuri Cosmetics. I was very close to them and they essentially raised me, but they have both now passed away. I took the name Shirayuri as my stage name in honour of their memory.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Since I’m fortunate to live between Australia and Japan, I’m interested in creating a business that creates and shares cultural links between Japan and Australia.
Who inspires you and why?
My biggest inspiration is ‘Kon-kichi’ – a stuffed toy fox that my grandmother gave me when I was little. I was an only child, so she gave him to me so I wouldn’t feel lonely. In Japan, foxes are known as ‘kitsune’, supernatural beings with magical abilities like shape-shifting and illusion.
Whenever I talk to my Kon-kichi, I get new creative ideas. He actually became the model for one of my favourite magic acts, LUCKY DIP, which I created with our Australian director, Kirsten. It’s a special and super popular moment in our show.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
During my time in Australia, I was deeply moved by how so many different cultures coexist while respecting one another. It made me realise that this is how the world should be. I try to share those realisations with people around me, like souvenirs from my travels.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Although I was not raised as religious, on holidays I love visiting shrines in Japan. Even when I have nothing on my mind, the calm and sacred atmosphere – far from the city’s noise – always refreshes my spirit. My favourite shrine is Daijingu – which is located in Funbashi-city (my home town). It is a very old shrine and is said to have been founded by a legendary Prince. It’s incredibly beautiful with many pieces of interesting architecture.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’d take them to try a sushi roll called Namida-maki, which literally means ‘tear roll’. It’s made only with rice and wasabi – no fish, just pain. So yes, it really makes you cry! It hurts, but it’s unforgettable. My favourite place to get it is at a shop called Ninoya in Funbashi-city. It’s a classic izakaya – noisy, busy and delicious!
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading a Resident Evil novel at the moment. It’s really interesting, but also quite grotesque. I’ve lost my appetite and even lost some weight… the horror diet!
What are you currently listening to?
In J-POP, I often listen to songs by SixTONES. One of the members, Taiga Kyomoto, was my co-star when I appeared as an actor and singer in a musical called Koisuru Vampire (Vampire in Love) years ago. I also listen to music by Emi Nitta, who performed in the same musical with me. I still keep in touch with both of them and listening to their voices brings back memories of how much fun we had performing together on that stage.
Happiness is?
I wish I could say “performing magic” – but every performance comes with deep reflection and constant refinement. It’s not exactly happiness – more like a beautiful kind of struggle. True happiness, I think, is being with ‘Kon-kichi’, the little fox I mentioned in the third question.
What does the future hold for you?
To be honest, I’d love to live in Australia. I often find myself thinking, “What a beautiful world this is.” I know there are challenges – language, finances, and many things to improve – but that dream keeps me moving forward.
Shirayuri is a magician at Maho Magic Bar – a magic bar direct from Tokyo full of fun tricks, illusions, and cocktails a plenty. Maho Magic Bar is playing at Spiegel Haus Melbourne from 25 November 2025. For more information, visit: www.mahomagicbar.com for details.
Image: Shirayuri (supplied)