Magicians Arrested for Coin Tricks
Sunday November 19, 2006
Sounds to me as if "Karate Coin" is now illegal in all places, Japan. It turns out that in Tokyo, three magicians and "another man" were arrested for violating a law that prohibits people from damaging coins. (Could this "another man" simply be a mere mortal?)
The fearsome foursome punched holes in or shaved the edges of 400 coins including 10- and 500-yen coins for use in magic. Police confiscated some 1,200 altered coins. The penalty? Up to one year in prison-a high price to pay for a quick coin trick. The big question, can’t the magicians just use those Asian coins with the holes already in them?
You can read the full story here.
Comments
Depedent on the country one is in, magic with money can get you into big trouble. In Thailand, it is a crime to do ANYTHING that disrespects the King. The general population in Thailand adheres to this norm in part due to law and in part do to the fact that the King is so very much adored by the Thai people. Because the King’s image is on Thai currency [the Bhat], a magician must be especially careful for whom she/he preforms coin or bill tricks while in that country. For all pratical purposes it is best to use other currency to perform tricks with while in Thailand or avoid money tricks alltogether. Needless to say, even without damaging currency it is wise to learn the customs and laws of other lands when performing [regardless of scale] in said lands.
I performed magic in schools, community centres, camps and one hotel during a tour aimed at the survivors of the Tsunami. I asked my Thai advisor what the situation was regarding using bills and he told me that it was fine. I had no problems at all using a banknote, from which I did a production, and have been invited back this year (2008).
I think that it all depends on the context. Just find a trusted advisor, I was very lucky with mine, and explain clearly what you would like to do. Then listen carefully to his advice.