We are delighted that Hakalax Productions agreed to us showing KINBAKU - The Art of Bondage (2009) during the film night and allowed us to offer DVD’s of their documentary:

Kinbaku, “tight binding”, is a Japanese style of bondage which involves tying up the bottom using simple yet visually intricate patterns, with several pieces of rope usually hemp or jute. In Shinto religion, in order to make something sacred, man will tie a rope around it. This sacred quality of the tying can be applied also to Kinbaku, which is an erotic, spiritual, artistic connection between the people who are doing it. It started with samurais capturing enemies on battlefield 500 years ago. “Rope is an extension of arms and communication tool. Two people can really be close and have emotional exhange”, says rope master Osada Steve from Tokyo. Osada Steve is student of Haruki Yukimura, a rope master who has tied over 3000 people during his life. “If you look at the Japanese samurai armor, it’s tied on. If you’ve ever received a Japanese gift, it’s an exquisite thing”, says Asagi Ageha, the most popular star of the new generation. Japan places a ritualistic weightness on everyday acts-a-talent our own culture lacks and turn almost anything, including knots and ropes into art. Nowadays rope is used to create an artistic, meaningful scene between two people. Kinbaku is about creating a beautiful climate and an exciting dramatic experience.

You can now buy this documentary on DVD here  for 15 euro + 2.5 euro P&P (worldwide).

Kinoko sensei demonstrates

Kinoko Hajime will be returning to London in late April after his triuphant UK debut at the London Festival of the Art of Japanese Bondage. Kinoko will be performing, in contrast to his very traditional shows at LFAJB, one of his unconventional neo-shibari UV spectacles at the Torture Garden International Fetish Ball. He will also be giving a master class for a small group on Wednesday 28 April from 8:00-10:30pm in London SE5 at £95 per couple. This is an unique opportunity to learn genine kinbaku from one of Japan’s latest prodigies, who began his career after seeing Akechi Denki perform in his club and later took lessons from Kanna, a direct disciple of Akechi.

Book here!

 Esinem & Maleficent Martini

Well, the dust has settled after a triumphant second festival. It was fantastic to have Kinoko here from Japan to show us real kinbaku in action and share some of his knowledge during the workshops. We were all stunned by the quality and diversity of the shows from an international line up of performers. It is clear that shibari has moved into the arena of performance art as performers combined it with other means of expression.  From the feedback I’m getting, many people have been very inspired. It will be interesting to see what ripples expand from here through the world of rope.

We would like to extend a massive thanks to everyone involved in making this the success it was and creating such a special atmosphere. Garry has already mentioned putting on a mini event later in the year, so watch this space.  All the latest pictures can be found via ForumBondage.

Kinoko & Arisa

Shadow & Felix

Phographs by Joris Bruyninckx

Asanawa style jute, 8m x 6mm

Standard jute rope, treated, 6mm set of 8

For discussion on the Festival, see threads on ForumBondage and Fetlife.

Here is a short video of Nawashi Murakawa at work at the Salon of Kinabku at last year’s event to whet your appetite. It was made by the very talented Patrick Siboni, who was also responsible for some stunning photos. I’m delighted to hear that he will be back again this year with bondage model, Berenice.