The Essence of Shibari

The Essence of Shibari is a book that presents itself with a mark of authority. Its author is a Japanese master in the art of rope bondage. It also offers a contemporary view of Shibari because it dates from 2013. It offers a serious and thorough approach to Shibari. Unsurprisingly, it begins with a warning about the physical and emotional risks of Shibari. There is a need for personal accountability of each and every one of the participants in a scene. Additionally, a note from the editor before the text mentions that Shibari always requires consent from all parties involved.

In the first chapter of The Essence of Shibari, Nawakiri acknowledges the relationship the western mind has established between Shibari and BDSM. He doesn’t deny it. However, he points out that, in the Japanese mind, Shibari has a hight aesthetic value as a form of performance art. The author also states that his book’s original title was “Shibari skills” and its purpose is to provide guidance for anyone interested in Shibari. That includes the inexperienced beginner as well as the performance artist. To complete the overview, he offers a brief history of Shibari. There, he explains how the occupation of Japan after WWII and the pink cinema of the 70s and 80s contributed to the international appreciation of Shibari.

As an artist, Nawakiri focuses first on the essential Shibari tool: the rope. Just as a painter has to know the different kinds of brushes and canvases, Nawakiri takes his time to talk about the characteristics that an adequate rope for Shibari must have. Then, he analyzes and explains various kinds of ties, from the simplest to the most complex.

The book also includes a detailed chapter with an analysis of all the necessary safety measures. And also a chapter where he discusses technical matters. For example, the most adequate furniture for Shibari and how to fix a suspension point.