MAA Selection Criteria
A number of Magic Academy Award candidates are first put forward by members of the judging committee, after which the selection process can begin. The committee will discuss the various candidates and decide on a winner. If the committee fails to agree on a winner, there will be further discussion until an eventual winner has been decided.
Award Criteria
[Magician of the Year]
Magician of the Year will be awarded to the magician who has been most active in Japan over the previous twelve months. This will be limited to theatre shows, television appearances and other performances for real spectators.
It is hoped that selected magicians are those who serve as positive role models and aspirational figures within Japan, and that they will help raise the public perception of both magic and magicians in general.
[Hall of Fame]
This is not limited to the previous year, but instead represents national or international magicians who have significantly contributed to and influenced the culture and traditions of magic within Japan. As well as performers, this may honor researchers and or other supporting figures in the magic world.
It is hoped that selected magicians are held in high esteem by the magic community, and that their general conduct is befitting of inclusion into the Hall of Fame.
2020 Winners
[Hall of Fame]
Penn & Teller
Their show has been at the peak of magic performance for many years, and their recent TV program “Fool Us” has brought a fresh level of attention to the world of magic. As well as being viewed by people all over the world, their show has included performances from many Japanese magicians, and its influence continues unabated to this day.
Penn and Teller’s inclusion was immediately and unanimously welcomed by the entire committee.
[Magician of the Year]
Takumi Takahashi
Over the past year, Takumi Takahashi has appeared on numerous television programs, and also staggering 200 performances in theatres, even under the shadow of the pandemic.
As an M.A.T. lecturer, Takumi’s selection was initially put on hold, due to his close ties with the M.A.T.. However, in consideration of his diverse magical activities, as well as considerable influence on the emerging generation of magicians, Takumi’s selection was brought forward to the committee a second time. After any concerns of ties to M.A.T. were put to rest, Takumi was deemed more than deserving of the award.
