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You may have heard the term Shibari from the BDSM scene. Are you also familiar with the term Kinbaku and have been wondering for a while what the difference actually is? You’re not alone. Many bondage enthusiasts get confused by the Japanese terms, because they actually mean the same thing. Shibari is a noun and stands for regulation, boundary, or bondage. Kinbaku is also a noun and stands for tight binding or tight bondage. Everything is similar and yet completely different. We’ll explain.
What is shibari and how does it work?
If you find the sight of people tied up and hanging from the ceiling erotic and aesthetic, you’ll like shibari. This is the name given to this Japanese art of bondage, which is also about eroticism, but in many cases is primarily about aesthetics.
As with classic BDSM, in Japanese shibari, all participants consent to the bondage. Sometimes the bound person is naked, but sometimes they are fully clothed. In Japanese, people tend to call naked bondage kinbaku, because Japanese shibari initially only means “bonding” and has little to do with the erotic context.
Unlike BDSM, the aim is not to immobilize and tie up the bound person. Instead, the participants enjoy the bondage itself and the artistic knots on the skin.
A Shibari session always requires at least two people. If you are the one doing the tying, you are the “rigger.” If you are being tied up, you are referred to in Japanese as a “bunny” or “rope bunny.” Sometimes the more neutral word “model” is used, especially if there is no sexual connection between the participants.
Communication through ropes
Shibari thrives on the rigger communicating with the help of ropes. They can pull them tighter or loosen them to communicate something to their bunny. The entire bondage process is the game; a sexual climax may occur, but it is not standard or even a must.
In Japan, shibari is also an artistic (erotic) form of expression that is sometimes practiced in front of an audience and is also part of erotic photography or even pornography. There are numerous bondage techniques that can be traced back to the ancient samurai arts.
What is kinbaku and how does it work?
There are many explanations for shibari and only a few for kinbaku. The two terms are usually used synonymously, with kinbaku tending to refer to firm bondage and shibari being more decorative. There are no major differences; both are bondage arts that are practiced in Japan and have found their way to Europe.
Kinbaku is not necessarily associated with sex, although eroticism does play a role. The bondage techniques were developed from the earlier Hojojutsu, a form of restraint used by the Japanese police and military during the Middle Ages. Hojojutsu had no sexual component.
How do shibari, kinbaku, and bondage differ?
If we use shibari and kinbaku as synonyms for Japanese bondage arts and compare them with bondage, there are clear differences. Bondage is the umbrella term for bondage games in the BDSM area, where the immobilization of a person is the main focus.
In Japanese bondage, the art of knotting is particularly important. Ropes are primarily used, but extras such as wooden sticks are also used. Bondage, on the other hand, also works with handcuffs, adhesive tape, and other restraints. Here, the purpose of restraint is to clarify the power relationship. Shibari is more mobile, more flexible, and relies on very complex rope combinations and knots.
Can anyone do shibari?
Even if you already have experience with BDSM, shibari requires a lot of knowledge. It can be an intense enrichment of your sex life, whether you are the one tying or being tied up. However, for everything to run smoothly, you need knowledge of knot tying and rope techniques as well as high-quality equipment. The person being tied up is often suspended from the ceiling or artfully draped, so safety is paramount.
You can find workshops in Germany that will introduce you to shibari, and there are also online tutorials that you can use.
In beginner courses, you will learn about topics such as:
● Safety, nervous systems, breathing, and behavior in emergency situations
● Everything about the right ropes, extensions, and care
● Knots and techniques
● Basics of bondage
In the beginning, you will only master a few knots and will need a lot of practice to intensify your knowledge. Shibari is not something you try out on the side at a BDSM party if you have never tied someone up artistically before. And it is also not something you should indulge in with an inexperienced partner. If you are the bunny, your rigger should know exactly what they are doing and how to do it.
What you need for Shibari
Once you know the basics, you need the right equipment. Technical learning comes before practical experimentation, as shibari is demanding and challenging.
One of the most important materials is the right rope. In Japan, hemp ropes are traditionally used because they create secure knots and have a rough surface texture. Alternatively, you can use jute or cotton ropes. The latter is less durable but softer on the skin.
The first knots
Shibari experts know dozens of knots, which they try out in different ways. However, there are three standard knots that will help you get started.
● Single Column Tie: This knot is a basic knot that can be used to tie one foot and one hand. Once you have mastered it, you can create your first knot patterns.
● Double Column Tie: This knot ties feet or hands together. It is a little more complicated, but still easy to learn.
● Karada: This knot is more complicated and is used when you want to tie up your partner’s entire body. You should practice this without a partner first to perfect the knot technique.
Only tie up your partner once you know how the rope behaves when pulled. If you pull a knot too tight, there is a risk of nerve damage and pressure damage to the skin. It is best to practice on yourself to get a feel for how the rope behaves.
Important: Always have a pair of scissors handy to cut the rope immediately in an emergency. They should be rounded, not pointed. This will prevent you from cutting the skin in an emergency.
Conclusion: Shibari and Kinbaku are (almost) identical
In common parlance, Shibari and Kinbaku are almost always used to refer to the same practice. Only true Japan experts see a (small) difference between them. Here, Kinbaku is often used as a more advanced variant of Shibari. Both practices originate in Japan and belong to the erotic art of bondage. They are comparable to European BDSM, but aesthetics take precedence over immobilization. It is difficult for laymen to learn Shibari. It often takes courses or workshops from experienced practitioners to get started. If you feel like it, give it a try. Maybe there is an (online) workshop in your city that will bring you closer to this captivating passion.