A magician named Oshanti Saeda running intimate magic shows in Osaka's gritty Shinsekai district? Sounds like the perfect mix of old and new Japan. He does close-up magic that requires minimal Japanese understanding, which makes it accessible even if you don't speak the language.
The spot is super specific about its hours (7-11 PM weekdays, 2-11 PM weekends) and closes on Thursdays and rainy days - which feels wonderfully Japanese in its quirkiness. I've heard regulars recommend buying the magicians a drink, as it's apparently the tradition there.
Pricing is straightforward with a set fee for adults and student discounts, though you'll need to buy drinks separately. Just note the hours can change, so worth checking before heading over to Shinsekai.