An Overview of Shibari
Shibari (縛り), a Japanese word meaning “to tie” or “binding,” is a common form of bondage that focuses on artistic and highly stylized aesthetics.
The term comes from a martial art called hojōjutsu (捕縄術) which was used in Feudal Japan by samurai and police to restrain (and torture) prisoners. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Japanese artists and performers began to adapt shibari for erotic use. This evolution gave birth to kinbaku (緊縛), which means “tight binding.” Whilst shibari has become the more common Western term for Japanese rope bondage, kinbaku is often considered a more precise term.
Today, shibari as a kink is widespread. Kinksters explore it to express their artistic side, explore erotic fantasies, or as a form of emotional tension and release.
Common Ties for Practicing Shibari
Single Column Tie
Whilst not a uniquely Japanese tie, this knot is used as a foundation from which to build more complex ties, and is a common go-to in shibari scenes. A single column tie is used to anchor rope around a wrist, ankle, or other part of the limb without cutting off circulation. Importantly, this type of tie does not tighten when you pull on the tail of the rope.
Double Column Tie
As the name suggests, this tie is used to bind two limbs together. Just as with the single column, the rope shouldn’t tighten when you pull on the tail of a completed double column. A slight step up in complexity, double column ties avoid pressure points and maintain separation between limbs, allowing for a more comfortable and secure bind. This type of tie is often incorporated into more aesthetic designs.
Takatekote (高手小手) aka “Box Tie”
Arguably one of the popular shibari ties, the box tie also comes with high risks. As its name suggests, the arms are bound behind the back in a box-like shape. It’s symmetrical, elegant, and often used as the base for more elaborate full-body ties or suspensions.
There’s a high risk of damaging the radial nerve if this tie is done incorrectly, so it is strongly recommended that beginner Rope Tops do not attempt this tie without proper instruction. If you want to take risk mitigation a step further, have an experienced Top present for your first few scenes involving this tie.
Futomomo (太もも) aka “Futo” or “Leg Binder”
A futo wraps a bent leg into itself, usually creating a compact, frog-like position. It’s both functional and visually striking, often used in floor ties or partial suspensions. This tie can be a great introduction to more “body-encompassing” rope bondage and can be modified for comfort or tightness.
A Note On Cultural Appropriation
As shibari has gained popularity in Western kink spaces, it’s important to acknowledge and respect its cultural origins. Japanese rope bondage is not just an aesthetic, but is rooted in a specific historical, social, and philosophical context.
When non-Japanese kinksters adopt the style without acknowledging its origins and strip it of its meaning, the fetish veers into cultural appropriation. As such, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when exploring this kink:
Understand where these techniques come from and what they mean.
Support Japanese educators and artists who are working hard to preserve and share the authentic traditions of shibari and kinbaku.
Avoid fetishizing Japanese people or culture.
Whether you're drawn to this form of bondage for its aesthetics or for the sheer enjoyment of bondage, respect for consent, limits (and in this case, history and culture) are key to having a great time.
Bondage is considered edge play. Nerve damage, circulation issues, and even psychological triggers can occur if ties are done incorrectly. See our risk mitigation guide for more information.
