Ancient Shibari

I’m an Anthropology scholar. It sounds boring—and it is boring, if you cannot appreciate the value of discovering ancient ways of life. And, even though my profession wouldn’t be considered exciting by many people, I am not a boring person. Actually, in my private life I’m a kink. I love bondage and I find Shibari fascinating, both from a historical point of view and as a rope enthusiast. I never thought I would find a chronicle about ancient Shibari.

That’s why I had to copy this chronicle I found in an old manuscript:

“I’m Akio Asahi, the Conqueror. I vanquished Hiroto, the Great. I killed him in front of his daughter, Himari. She didn’t want to see, but I know Hojojutsu, and so I tied her and forced her to watch. 

She has been my prisoner since then. I keep her restrained. I should vanquish her, too, but I don’t conquer by force. It is my will that submits my enemies and my servants. But Himari is stubborn, doesn’t fear me, doesn’t show pain, refuses food or any other comfort. Having her in those conditions would not be vanquishing, would not mean victory for Akio Asahi.

I torture her with ropes. I put all my knowledge and skill into it. Yet, she doesn’t suffer. Actually, she seems to enjoy what I’m doing to her. I don’t see hate in her eyes. I see desire. And the worst part is that I also find desire inside of me. I see her as a challenge, not as an enemy.

Now, I have vanquished Himari. I untied her and she surrendered to me, body, and soul. However, I don’t feel victorious. If I must be honest, I feel vanquished, too. She could have destroyed me if she had refused to be mine when I untied her. Have I been defeated or is this another kind of victory?”

The chronicle ends here. I’m looking for more information about Akio Asahi and Himari, but I haven’t found it yet. However, I know Shibari when I see it, and I definitely think what they’re talking about here is ancient Shibari. Don’t you?

This is my Shibari story.