Yokai by Phill Smith

Are your performances truly unique?

“I have never seen anything remotely like that. I don’t even know what to call it?”

In my book Mitox, I shared my vision of mentalism: to become something extraordinary. By embodying unique characters through our craft, we can transcend the ordinary. I proposed that mentalists have discovered a profound truth, transforming mentalism from mere tricks into an art form that stands apart from psychics and psychological illusionists.

Now, with Yokai, we take this journey further. It’s time to illuminate the shadows with innovative techniques and rethink what it means to embody another persona. Explore the essence of power and premise, and discover the possibilities that lie at the cutting edge of mentalism.

Who are you?

Since the launch of Mitox, I have immersed myself in research to elevate mentalism beyond the clichés of crystal balls and psychic trappings. With a focus on simplicity and organic design, I’ve expanded the toolkit introduced in Mitox, offering fresh techniques and ideas to inspire performers.

Yokai represents my findings and reflections from this journey. This year, I’ve delved deeper, exploring new approaches to the concepts presented in Mitox and examining what it truly means to peel back the layers of reality.

What it all means?

A recurring theme in my conversations with fellow mentalists is the significance of our craft. Yokai transcends being just a collection of powerful effects; it explores the deeper meanings of mentalism. Can our work be considered art? Is there a profound significance beyond mere entertainment? Can the surreal world of mentalism cast a unique light on our reality?

15 Powerful Effects

I believe in keeping things straightforward, avoiding unnecessary gimmicks. Yokai embraces this philosophy, offering strong effects that challenge serious performers ready to engage with the impossible.

In Mitox, I emphasized accessibility. Yokai continues this trend, ensuring every effect is easy to perform without complex sleight of hand or elaborate props. Each prop is affordable, ungimmicked, or simple to create.

Yokai introduces some advanced methods alongside simpler alternatives, ensuring minimal compromise. If you’ve explored Thumbscrews, you’ll understand the potential of these techniques. Yokai reveals the extraordinary possibilities that arise when we dare to push boundaries.

Visionary Journey

A straightforward reading takes an unexpected twist as you predict the outcomes of your participant’s choices.

The Mitox Deck

A dynamic mnemonic structure for crafting your own personalized memorized deck.

Quinta Force

After years of refinement, the flexible Quinta force is now presented in its most practical form, offering a fair alternative to equivoque.

Keep Rolling

Participants roll dice, and their totals lead to a number that matches one secretly held in their pocket.

Transmission Control Protocol

An unmarked envelope circulates among audience members, ultimately landing with the very person it was addressed to.

Knowledge Quin

An enhanced approach to Mitox’s Knowledge 3, utilizing borrowed items.

Gravity

A seemingly impossible card location achieved through an invisible principle.

News Deck

Using a torn newspaper, you read the minds of up to twenty audience members, showcasing practical mentalism.

SIRVA

More than just an effect, SIRVA offers a comprehensive paranormal experience, culminating in an astonishing remote viewing workshop.

Xyloplus Journey

A chain of thoughts guides spectators to an unexpected destination, which you effortlessly reveal.

Control Zone Nail Bend

A straight nail bends in the spectator’s hand, leaving them with a lasting memento of the experience.

The Interview

You engage spectators in a series of mental puzzles before selecting one to assist, described in impossible detail.

Emergent Intelligence

Create an intelligent system with just three props, revealing choices made by the spectator and information you shouldn’t logically know.

LockDown

Transform the WordLock into a mind-reading device without any hardware modifications, allowing participants to input any word for you to reveal letter by letter.

Essays

Explore Phill’s insights on the power of premise in performance, the impact of the moment, and the art of mentalism, along with unique premises that redefine the notion of “I’m psychic.”

Bonus Extras

Yokai includes exclusive insights into Phill’s innovative experiments in modernizing ancient performance themes.