Essence of Shibari: Kinbaku and Japanese Rope Bondage

by Shin Nawakari, Piez Jeng (Photographer)

The art of kinbaku, also known as shibari, is an elegant way to connect with a partner or add erotic spice in your life. Japanese-style bondage artist Shin Nawakiri shares his safe, sexy, and beautiful techniques in this newly-translated book, which contains numerous ties for the beginner artist and for intermediate or advanced players, sensual body wrapping without knots, binding one wrist or body column, body harnesses, futomomo (thigh ties), and takate kote (chest and arm binding). Explore the history of kinbaku, practical shibari for graceful and steamy play, the psychology of bondage (for those tying and those being bound), and more. Now is your time to enjoy this delicious form—learning from a renowned rope artist in the privacy of your home.

Genres: BDSM, Nonfiction, Sexuality, Relationships, Reference

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2017

Reviews

[Mashiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

After admittedly mostly looking at the pictures depicting the different ties and styles for a while, I've finally read through the whole book. I know too little about kinbaku to adequately assess whether the book's information content is similar to others, but I personally found it both aesthetically pleasing and informative. What will probably stay with me the most is not the individual ties, though, but the love that could be felt in every page of the book. A love for rope and for the craft of tying it, obviously, but also a love for the communication and intimacy of shibari. Most pictures avoid showing the faces of both Rope Top and Bottom, but where they are shown, I find them to be beautiful, the connection between them visible even though the photos obviously got taken during a photo shoot. There is something very real and very beautiful about this that made me love the book more than I otherwise would have, because it gave me an emotional connection to the evolving scenes instead of staying on the surface of a clinical tutorial.

[Doğukan Köprüyakan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't interested in the "How To" aspect of the book. I know how to tie someone up. That was one of the first things fishermen have taught us while hanging out at the docks with the bois. Historical stuff -fluff or lore as the cool kids call it- was the very thing I was looking for. but only the first part of the books was about that. Even though being very brief It was interesting. Peace Officers using ropes instead of handcuffs due to lack of iron, the father of japanese modern kinbaku Seiu Ito, and the rise of Kitan Club magazine. I wish these parts were longer, just like my rope.

[Thomas Fortenberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great beginner guide to learning the ways of rope bondage. Has fairly detailed pictures of the steps needed to make the ties and safety guidelines as well! If you’re curious about rope bondage and are new to he idea then this is the book for you! Highly recommend it!

[KK Sisalik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so much looking forward for this book as I had read a lot of good reviews. The book itself is interesting but the font that the book uses for text is totally not reader friendly. I occasionally use reading glasses in not so ideal light conditions but mostly I do not need them at all. The font this book uses is not a typical font for a book, I can not tell what font it exactly is but it is super narrow and condensed. Considering that this is a book that one might want to use as a manual in the early days of starting with shibari, it would be helpful if the book used some conventional font that does not require operation theatre lighting + reading glasses to understand the text. If I would have seen the book in a bookstore I would not have bought it, but I am not going to send it back either. Probably. The photos are good and clear and explain the sequence of ties well.

[talah · Rating 4 out of 5]

instructional pictures + details are concise and clear; the history + advice offered is great. only thing is, wish there were more fat models - i mostly tie myself + other fat ppl and would b v helpful to see how ties look when properly completed on bigger ppl.

[Marlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear explanations with an insight into the reasoning behind the ties.
Good choice of pictures. Esthetic without losing clarity.

[Pablo Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well balanced book.
A nice introdcution to history, development and philosophy of kinbaku.

Then a series of ties detailed step-by-step with gorgeous photographs.

Of course, this is information that its not ideally transmitted by books and pictures (Video is better suited, in person training ideal) but what i find very valuable is its approaches to teaching fundamentals and and a wide range of ties. You can later use this as a guide and search online for videos or practice each tie on your own.

I would say its a very good introductory reading for shibari enthusiasts.

[Artemis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one book I would recommend for beginners who are looking for an easy and practical introduction to rope bondage/shibari. Great photography, well explained step-by-step and good range and variety of ties to try your hands with. It has all the essential safety blurb, albeit short.

[Queer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs a more thorough accounting. This is an introduction to a much more complex subject.

[Victor Ngo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is delightfully comprehensive. If I pursue this, I'll likely need to refer back to the manual often

[Jesse Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 percent must read for those interested in the art of rope. Amazing book and very easy to follow

[mirror · Rating 3 out of 5]

straightforward, prosaic
seemed good for laying basic foundations and safety stuff, lots of photos, i liked it

[Reggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ropes