SHIBARI means "to tie" in Japanese. The concept to tie the people’s body is originally from the old way to tie criminals’ hands or ankles or waists not to escape. So at that time, the ropes had functioned just like handcuffs. And it had developed its meaning and style into “Japanese bondage” gradually. They do not use chains or leather for this Japanese traditional bondage. The thing all you need is a rope…the rope long enough.
With amazing techniques, just one rope can make many different styles of SHIBARI. Who reaches the high stage is admired as a maestro. And only maestros can make SHIBARI into art.
You can find the many patterns appear on the bodies. The patterns have got breathtaking beauty. Just like the outer beauty, many can find the very unique one in SHIBARI. The beauty called real emotions. Some people can be mentally free and get some extreme ecstasies by feeling certain pains with the ropes. Only with one condition, the pain makes pure emotions overflow from their bodies and soul. The rope should not be too tight or too loose. The tightness should be right to provoke the emotions deep inside their hearts.
And just like those emotions, everything in this small world is real. Bodies, pains, sweat, tears, scream, joy, and of course, supreme ecstasies...
Women here on stages are not professional, just girls next door. They are more than willing to be tied and disclose their own real feelings. Nothing is planned or designed for this SHIBARI show. There are just human bodies and emotions... tied bodies and real emotions.
June Makiguchi, 2007.
