Tag: shibari history

shibari news logo

A Story from WWII

Today we present a story from WWII. We wanted to share it with you for two reasons. First, because Shibari plays a crucial role in it. Second, because it shows that bondage is not just a matter of ropes, but also a matter of feelings. Sometimes, we have to restrain our bodies to release our…
Read more

shibari news logo

Feminism and Shibari

Many people think that feminism and Shibari are in opposition to each other. But this only because they have a serious misunderstanding of the essence and purpose of bondage. Shibari contributes in many ways to the empowerment of women. First of all, Shibari contributes to the tearing down of gender stereotypes. A true rigger is…
Read more

Shibari and Self-Control

We live in a world which is always in a hurry. We’re always trying to save time, even if this means doing things in a rush. This obsession with doing things fast leads to many health problems, as well as to psychological issues, such as anxiety. Among its many benefits, Shibari can act as an…
Read more

Shibari’s Artistic Value

It is ironic that the first form of Japanese bondage was actually a way of torture. However, as it frequently happens in human history, activities originated in a very different realm end up becoming a cultural staple on its own. Think, for example, on the phonograph. Edison’s original intention was that it served as a…
Read more

Shibari on Instagram

How Rope Bondage Found a Global Stage At first glance, Shibari—a centuries-old Japanese rope practice—and Instagram—a fast-paced social media platform—might seem like an unlikely pair. One is rooted in ritual, connection, and tradition; the other thrives on speed, trends, and visual engagement. Yet, over the past decade, the two have become closely linked in an…
Read more

Shibari and the Pandemic

How Rope Bondage Found Meaning in Isolation The COVID-19 pandemic was a time of global disruption—marked by loss, fear, and isolation. For many, it reshaped not only daily routines, but also emotional landscapes, relationships, and personal priorities. Yet, even in the stillness of lockdowns and the uncertainty of those years, some people found surprising forms…
Read more

The Recent History of Rope Bondage

How Shibari and Kinbaku Spread Beyond Japan While the roots of rope bondage in Japan stretch back centuries, the recent history of bondage as a global cultural and artistic phenomenon begins in the mid-20th century. From postwar curiosity to global exploration, the journey of Shibari and Kinbaku reflects broader changes in attitudes toward intimacy, power,…
Read more

Shibari in Postwar America

I was doing some research for a study in the exchange between American and Japanese cultures. You know: they like Elvis, we eat sushi. Anyway, when a very old woman told me this story, I knew I had to write it down. It proved how Shibari in postwar America began to tak shape. Here it…
Read more

shibari news logo

Nawashi

The Japanese Rope Artist in Shibari In the world of Shibari, the word nawashi (縄師) refers to a skilled rope artist. While it literally means “rope master” or “maker of rope,” in modern contexts it’s widely used to describe someone who practices the art of Japanese rope bondage with technical skill and aesthetic sensitivity. What…
Read more

Shibari: From Brutality to Art

How Japanese Rope Bondage Evolved from Brutality to Art Shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage, has a long and complex history. What began as a tool of punishment has slowly evolved into a form of artistic and emotional expression. This journey—from brutality to beauty—is a powerful reminder of how culture can transform meaning over…
Read more

Home » shibari history
Want to learn Shibari?
Get started with Shibari Academy's FREE Shibari 101 course and check out their full Shibari Certificate

© 2026 ShibariNews