A post translating an interview with Japanese bondage practitioners for Sin magazine, done by Uncle Shu, went almost unnoticed. However, it clearly outlines answers to key questions regarding the understanding of Japanese bondage, its fundamentals, terminology, and differences. It’s also interesting to note the attitudes of Japanese practitioners towards the current state of bondage and those who actively participate in the processes.
From the interview, several concrete conclusions can be drawn, which have previously sparked numerous discussions and even controversies:
- What is Shibari and how does it differ from Kinbaku? – Shibari is a general term that denotes the act of binding something. Kinbaku refers specifically to erotic or sexual bondage, which can encompass shibari, spanking, BDSM, etc. However, there is no specific term other than “bondage” for other forms.
- The purpose of bondage action (Kinbaku) can only be one: sex, sexual violence, provoking shame, and all that comes with it. Discussions about “art,” performances, and body/psychological practices are misleading. There’s a careful yet specific accusation of certain individuals, like Osada Steve, who transformed sexual deviance into an equivalent of a judo school.
- The main point in bondage is the awareness of one’s need for the goal of bondage (see point 2). Merely studying and practicing the technical aspects of kinbaku is insufficient. One can learn to tie beautifully but not understand why and for what purpose, thus engaging in pointless nonsense.
- The term “rigger,” which has come from the West, is rejected as meaningless and lacking eroticism. In the context of the overwhelming number of definitions and meanings, masters must specify the sadistic aspects of their bondage.
- Japanese practitioners are not pleased with how their Japanese bondage has transformed, but they maintain a “good face”…
These are my subjective conclusions based on what the Japanese have said, who seem to choose their words carefully and are not entirely candid for various reasons, including national ones.
From my perspective, based on reading various materials, interviews, and articles with Japanese bondage practitioners over time:
They are all cunning little devils:
- On one hand, they claim that foreigners cannot understand Japanese bondage; on the other hand, they eagerly travel the world with seminars and performances. Moreover, many of them have their own schools with diplomas and levels that they hand out for a small fee.
- They deny bondage shows as something artificial and deceitful; yet, they themselves organize and participate in these shows, as “it’s just a job” (quote).
- They strive to create an impression of their unique understanding of bondage, while in reality, everything they say and do is just talk about some allegedly exclusive sensations and depths of feeling.
- Ultimately, the bondage practiced by the Japanese is fundamentally about sex, which, despite all the conclusions made above, is something that personally delights me.