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FRASER GOULD: the man with a trick up his sleeves.

By on April 15, 2019

There’s no stress greater than getting a pack of wandering tykes to stay put in one place at a kids birthday party.

What to do if you’re hosting one? Hire Canadian party magician Fraser Gould. He will take the stress out of parents and at the same time, make their kids’ party successful.

Tokyo families catches up with Fraser to know more.

What brought you to Japan?


I came to Japan from Canada in 1998 with the plan to work in an English conversation school for a year. Initially, I lived in Sendai and did a lot of traveling in Tohoku. Falling in love with the country, I ended up deciding to stay, and did my master’s degree while up there. I moved to Tokyo in 2004 and the rest, as they say, is history. Not a particularly interesting history perhaps, but history nonetheless.

When and how did you get started in magic ?


I was actually a late bloomer in magic. Most professional magicians have been practicing since they were kids, but I didn’t get started until my third year of university. Just by chance, my recreational racquetball partner was a professional magician, and he started teaching me little tricks after our matches. He must have seen some kind of potential in me because he started teaching me more and more advanced material and giving me advice about the theory, presentation and performance of magic. Within two years, I was doing my first shows.

Tell us about Fraser Gould Magic’s brand of entertainment and how zany does it get.


Well, humor is definitely a big part of my shows especially the kids shows. As we say in the kid show biz, “It’s not the destination, it’s the ride“, meaning that the magical effect of each routine itself takes a backseat to the gags, jokes and funny bits of business that lead up to it. Comedy in magic for adults is optional; for kids, it’s absolutely essential.

That said, all of my shows are funny, because my magic persona is just an extension of my real self. I’ve always been a bit of a clown. My birthday shows run 45 mins and include lots of laughter, audience participation and a chance for the birthday child to become the star of the show.

You must get a lot of how-did-you-do-that comments at events. Do you ever reveal your magic tricks to the audience?

(Laughs) Yes. People ask all the time how to do something (always after the show). I usually deflect by teaching them an easier trick that they’ll actually be able to do themselves.
You entertain both Japanese and foreign kids. Is there a difference between the two in terms of how they respond to magic?  Tell us about it.  
There are some differences of course, but I get different reactions from just about any country I’ve ever performed in. A very interesting point is that while adults from different cultures respond to magic differently, that’s not the case with children. Kids in the same age group will have pretty much the same reactions to my routines no matter if they are from Japan, Europe or North America. Age is a much more important factor than cultural background in determining how children will react to a magic trick.

How age-appropriate is your program?

For birthdays, I have different shows for the 4-6, 7-9 and 10+ age groups. Of course, many parties have a mix of different ages. For those shows, I either do my standard family show, or mix up the kids show with routines that suit every age group. Then of course, I have my nightclub act that’s geared entirely towards an adult audience. But even at my youngest kid show parties, I make sure I fool the adults once or twice; sometimes that leads to shows for corporate parties.

Tokyo has a few magicians doing what you do. What can you say is unique to your act?


When I show up at a venue dressed in character and set up my gear, the kids know they are in for a real show. I bring my own backdrop and sound system, which isn’t usual for the price bracket I perform in. It can give the impression of a true theatrical spectacle in a space as small as a living room.

One last question.  Can you make someone disappear? 


For the right price, it can be arranged. (Laughter)

Fraser Gould is one of the few magicians in Tokyo who can perform in both English and Japanese. To book him for your upcoming party, contact him via http://www.frasergould.com

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