Japanese bondage questions and answers

There are more questions than answers, when it comes to Shibari.

The most common misconception is that Shibari is very soft and romantic. Even the simplests of bondages are neither romantic nor "soft bondage". Each individual bondage has specific targets and goals. Their common objective is to stimulate Ki energy flow and start an adrenaline and subsequent combined endorphins, dopamine and enkephaline rush (a trance-like experience) for the recipient and an adrenaline/serotonine rush for the giver.

More advanced bondages will enhance these effects through introducing sensory deprivation and eventually a different level of reality perception, thus creating a full and often deep trance.

Japanese bondage

What is a Nawashi?

"Nawashi" is not an official title. "Nawashi" translates as "he who works with (hence knows about) rope". There is no "shibari education system". There are just some who - strictly based on their own study, views and style - teach others.

What kind of rope is being used?


Ever since cheap cotton took over most of the textile industry, other natural fibers lost their market dominance. The USA-inspired witch hunt on cannabis production brought hemp-farming to a complete standstill in the 1980s. As a result, the modern "natural" rope industry produces hardly any 100 percent natural single fiber rope.

For traditional Japanese bondage, use either flax of hemp. Just do not expect to find 100 percent natural, single fiber rope. Good alternatives are:

synthetic flax or hemp - used on classic sail boats, hence easy to obtain from ship rigging shops. This is a combination of flax/hemp and synthetic fibers. Provided at least one kernel is removed and the ropes are washed several times, prior to use, this a good and affordable alternative.

climbing rope is fully synthetic and although not "traditional" a very good, affordable, reliable and safe alternative. For ropes with non-twisted kernels the number of kernels should be reduced to one. All ropes should be washed several times, prior to use.

Cotton, in terms of rope strength, is the lowest rope quality. It has an average breaking point of around 50 kilograms (approx. 100 pounds) for 6 mm diameter rope, which makes cotton unsuitable for most rope bondage adventures. It is okay to use it for simple "on body" only bondages though. Hemp, flax or jute are better options, since all are stronger. "Breaking point" means it CAN break at that point, not it WILL break. This makes things quite unpredictable.

If Japanese bondage is new to you, synthetic rope is a much better and safer option. One of your best choices is "fallschnur" (a.k.a. "reepschnur"). This is rope, used by mountianclimbers as a last resort safety line in case of a fall. It comes in 6 mm diameter, is extremely strong, soft, flexible and easy to use, especially after you have washed it several times.

Why is there so little information about Japanese bondage?

Shibari knowledge was largely lost when, in the 18th and 19th century, Japan turned more western-oriented. Modern Nawashi spend a lot of time rebuilding the knowledge. Techniques are largely taught verbally and learning the art to the level of a Nawashi takes many years, an investment not many Western people are prepared to make. Besides, there is the language barrier. Japanese is not easy to translate and impossible to translate without explaining Japanese culture, philosophy and mindset. If there is any Shibari documentation available at all, most of that is laid down in 17th century and earlier documents in Japanese, that is hard to understand even to contemporary Japanese people.

Are there any unsafe shibari techniques?

When applied without sufficient understanding any technique is unsafe. Most "on body" or "on the floor" bondages can be performed without major risks, provided, one has mastered the techniques. Misuse of pressure points and a variety of other serious risks come into play when trying to perform (semi)suspensions without adequate knowledge, understanding, insight and training. For all Japanese bondage activity the safety rules for extreme sports apply. People should be relatively healthy and fit, psychologically stable, risk aware and not suffering from diseases, such as breathing and heart/vascular system related illnesses, bone, joint, muscle or ligament injuries.

Why does the recipient have to train as well?

Bondages very quickly lead to unfamiliar, often uncomfortable and sometimes painful positions. In order to be able to fully enjoy and explore the release of Ki energy, it is at the very least helpful if one is able to relax the body, even when under stress. Shibari has many meditational and spiritual aspects and in order to fully explore and use these, it is helpful if the body is physically fit and able to relax. Yoga lessons or training are actually a must, because it creates "length" in the muscles. Fitness is counterproductive, since this actually "shortens" the muscles. Shibari has its own set of excersizes (borrowed from Shiatsu) known as Makko-Ho.

Is it, or is it not, a martial art?

A martial (fighting/warrior) art solely serves martial (fighting) purposes. Shibari is an art of erotic spirituality and NOT a fighting art, even though it has (some) roots that can be traced down to very ancient martial arts (Bushi Do - the way of the warrior - the godfather of all Japanese martial arts) and Hojo Jitsu (arresting and tieing prisoners). While the cultural aspects of these martial arts should be acknowledged and respected and some of the Shibari techniques could very well serve fighting purposes, Shibari as such is not a martial art. One however will do well, for example, to adopt the traditions of honor and respect (the code of ethics) that come with any martial art. Shibari itself has many different roots: from martial art to the theater, from Zen to oriental medicine, from torture to eroticism.

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