Japan. It is a country and a culture that is filled with mystery and the familiar; comfort and ritual; tradition and innovation. Is it any wonder, then, that The Japan Cup was designed to be a Close-Up Magic Convention that is both easily recognizable as such and, yet, filled with surprises that can be enjoyed only in this Magical land? The Japan Cup was started with a unique mission: To celebrate and commemorate the best Magicians of the 21st Century - all of the 21st Century. Therefore, it is to exist for 100 years, and Dr. Tashiro Shigeru has informed all his consultants that no one will be permitted to die until the mission is fulfilled. This makes perfect Japanese sense! The first Japan Cup was held in 2002 as this was the first year all the Magicians of 2001 - the first year of the 21st Century - could be considered. The final Japan Cup is scheduled for March, 2101. However, even Tashiro-san has not booked the talent for that one yet. There really is an actual gJapan Cuph which is a large trophy with a plate with the name of each recipient of gThe Japan Cuph added consecutively. When the plate is filled with the names of legends both gone and not yet born, The Japan Cup will be permanently housed in a place where honor and tradition in Magic will live forever. How does a name make it to The Japan Cup? That will be explaned in the next chapter!