The “B” in BDSM is arguably the most famous letter. It stands for bondage and involves tying your partner up and restraining them in a sexual context.
And while many people know about bondage, not a lot of people know about Japanese bondage, also known as Shibari. This rich and old tradition originates in Japan, and it influenced how we approach rope bondage in modern times.
- What is Japanese bondage?
- Terms you need to know in Japanese bondage
- Who is attracted to Japanese bondage?
- How can rope bondage make relationships stronger?
- What you need to practice Japanese rope bondage
- Safety and rope bondage
- Try getting tied up
With that said, Shibari is more than just tying up your partner. It’s a very intimate and sexy practice that can add a lot of spice to the bedroom, especially when everyone is on the same page.
So, in this article, we’re taking a close look at Japanese bondage, how you can practice it, and why tons of people find it so hot.
Are you ready for the heat?
What is Japanese bondage?
While a quick glance at Japanese bondage indicates that it’s very similar to Western bondage, it’s actually very different. One of the main aspects of Shibari is the type of rope that’s used and the way it’s used.
Western bondage usually uses silk or polyester ropes which are stretchy. On the other hand, Japanese bondage only uses hemp or jute rope. These ropes aren’t as flexible, and the rope top usually focuses on friction when tying up their partner.
In Japanese bondage, the rope top or rigger doubles the rope over at the middle, which is called the blight. From there, they make their way down the rope until they have a nice and stable knot.
Shibari puts a huge emphasis on the aesthetic of the ties. This is why the Shibari photos you can find online and in books have beautifully made knots tied in just the right places that make the whole act look like an artwork.
This is because Shibari traces its roots very far back. Shibari originates from an ancient Japanese martial art known as Hojojutsu. This martial art was primarily used by people looking to restrain criminals and prisoners with a rope.
Hojojutsu eventually fell out of fashion when the Shogunate ended. However, later on, Japanese people started using the Hojojutsu ropes for BDSM, which became known as Shibari, meaning decorative tying.
Terms you need to know in Japanese bondage
Japanese bondage is a very dense art form and sexual act. This is why you may encounter some terms when researching ways to try out Japanese bondage that might leave you confused. So, here are some of the most important terms you need to know about if you plan on practising Japanese bondage:
Shibari and Kinkaku
As mentioned earlier, Shibari is the term for Japanese bondage. It literally translates to decorative tying. But in the West, the term is used interchangeably with Kinkaku. And while they can refer to the same thing, the two words have separate meanings.
Kinkaku means tight binding and also refers to the art of Japanese bondage. The goal of Japanese bondage is to find a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and eroticism, and part of that is understanding these two terms.
Rigger
The rigger is also known as the rope top. This person in Japanese bondage sessions is in charge of tying the rope. This term is also used in the BDSM community when talking about bondage. The rigger ties the ropes in specific ways that give pleasure to both parties involved. This is why the rigger needs to understand what their partner wants, where the boundaries are, and how to practice bondage safely.
Bunny
The bunny is also called a rope bunny or a rope bottom. This is the person that gets tied up during Shibari.
Who is attracted to Japanese bondage?
Shibari and bondage, in general, have been growing in popularity, with many fetish clubs featuring the act. However, Japanese bondage isn’t for one particular type of person. There are tons of people that are into Shibari.
Bondage is one of the most popular BDSM acts that people participate in. The thing is that when tying someone up without any particular direction, it can be boring. So, Japanese bondage can be seen as a step up from simply tying your partner to the bed posts.
Many riggers say they enjoy Shibari because they get to zone in on the rope bunny. When doing this, they get to appreciate every detail of their body while positioning the rope in ways that highlight body parts while also arousing the rope bunny.
Anyone can try Japanese bondage. However, it’s always important to have a proper conversation with your partner before trying it out for the first time. This is so that you can lay down the boundaries, set a safe word, and list the things you can or cannot do during the session.
We live in a more sex-positive society nowadays. And with that, there are tons of people exploring different ways to meet their sexual needs. A recent survey showed that many people have tried BDSM in one form or another.
The world of BDSM is wide. This is why finding an activity that fits your kink perfectly is very easy. And if you get turned on by the idea of rope play and bondage, it may be time to talk to your partner about the possibilities.
What makes rope bondage so hot?
Rope bondage is incredibly intimate. Seeing your partner tie you up or tying up your partner using a series of well-planned knots is very hot. And there are tons of people who will agree with that statement.
There are many reasons people like bondage. To start, even the most exciting sex can get boring after a while. This is why couples try to incorporate toys and other sex acts like bondage to add a bit of spice to the bedroom.
Again, everyone has their own tastes and needs when it comes to rope bondage. Some people only want a light type of bondage, while others may be more eager to take it to the next level. And to make sure everyone is comfortable and aroused with the bondage session, it’s essential to set the boundaries and ground rules from the start.
How can rope bondage make relationships stronger?
Rope bondage can bring a couple closer together. If you feel like you need to connect more with your partner in the bedroom, rope bondage could be what you need. During a bondage session, you and your partner are incredibly close.
You get to hear each other’s breath, see each other in a new light, and approach sexual intercourse from a completely different angle.
The reason rope bondage helps relationships is because of how intimate the act is. During a Shibari session, you need to communicate with your partner constantly to see if everyone is comfortable and their needs are being met.
This multi-faceted communication is a great way to build a stronger relationship. This is how you get to understand what your partner means, even through the most subtle of actions. On top of that, sex is a very important aspect of many relationships, and if you both enjoy rope bondage, it could be a great way to find a new connection between the two of you.
What you need to practice Japanese rope bondage
If you and your partner are looking to explore Shibari, all you need to do is rope. However, this can get complicated as you need to find the right type of rope that can do the job as needed.
Generally, Shibari ropes are made of Jute or Hemp and are between 7-8 meters long. This gives you a lot of freedom to find the right knots that turn both you and your partner on. However, we only recommend using these ropes after you have some experience with rope bondage.
For beginners, we recommend a cotton rope. These aren’t as soft as silk or polyester, but they won’t be as tough as traditional hemp rope. Additionally, you may want to start a bit shorter as well so that you won’t feel pressured to use all the rope (which can be confusing).
How to be a rope bunny
If you’re going to be a rope bunny for the first time, you need to be prepared. To start, it’s always best to eat beforehand and prepare water with a straw just in case you need to drink while tied up. Additionally, make sure to stretch beforehand, as this will make it easier on your body during the session.
And before you start a session, make sure that you and your partner are on the same page regarding boundaries, rules, safe words, and everything. From there, the only thing you need to do is immerse yourself in the experience.
Remember, it might take some time to really get the hang of Shibari, and you will need to make adjustments along the way. But don’t worry, that’s part of the process.
Safety and rope bondage
One thing to keep in mind when practising Japanese rope bondage is that you need to have safety as your top priority. Everyone involved always needs to feel safe and comfortable for the experience to be enjoyable. Here are some safety tips when practising Japanese rope bondage:
- Always communicate with each other
- Actively listen to your partner
- Always have safety scissors just in case
- Plan aftercare beforehand
- Always support the bunny if they are feeling uncomfortable
- Learn where you should and shouldn’t put the rope
- Read up on basic anatomy
- Set boundaries and follow them strictly
Try getting tied up
Japanese rope bondage is a fun, exciting, and sexy practice. It can provide a new feeling of intimacy in the relationship while also spicing things up in the bedroom. And if you’re looking to try out something new with your partner, there aren’t too many things as exciting as getting tied up.
