Anyone know the origins of this effect: performer folds one bill lengthwise, another in quarters. The quarter-folded bill gets placed on top of the other bill, and one segment seems to penetrate the other bill, so the lengthwise-folded bill seems to be sandwiched inside the other bill. Then the quarter-folded bill gets visually pulled up, again appearing to be penetrated.

Not looking for the secret, just wondering if the history/origination is known.

Are you thinking of Ghost Bills by Andrew Mayne?

I didn't know the name of it, but yeah, that's it. After reading your post I Googled it and I see that Ryu Susato might actually be the originator...I wonder if it goes back even earlier?