In 2020, I embarked on a journey to untangle the intricate history of shibari—a path both enlightening and deeply humbling. Over the years, shibari has been romanticized, misunderstood, and often clouded by myths. This project, culminating in a detailed diagram, aims to reveal the true origins and evolution of shibari, tracing the lives and contributions of the bakushis who shaped it.
The Heart of the Diagram
This work is focuses on bakushis because their pivotal connections help untangle the flow of influences within shibari. While equally significant, figures such as models, photographers, club owners, and others from the scene play essential roles; however, including all influential figures would make the diagram unwieldy.
This Project was born out of curiosity and a relentless desire to understand. The preliminary notes, which can be found written within the diagram itself, highlight my approach: it is a starting point, a map of connections and influences that invites the observer to delve deeper into the world of shibari. The bi-directional arrows symbolize mutual influence, relationships that are nuanced and varied— representing friendships, collaborations, or moments of shared creativity.
The Foundations of Truth
A cornerstone of this project has been my commitment to primary sources. From the digitized archives of Kitan Club to interviews hosted on Osada Steve’s page and insights from Kinbakunomicon, each piece of information was carefully cross verified. Blogs like SMDetective (now offline) and resources like Bergborg’s Kokoro Kinbaku books further enriched the narrative.
One of the most rewarding aspects of creating this diagram has been the conversations I’ve had with some of the bakushis featured in it. These dialogues provided invaluable insights, helping me cross-reference information and dispel inaccuracies. To everyone who generously shared their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
In the world of shibari, reaching the truth is no simple task. We’ve moved from an era of almost complete ignorance about shibari’s origins to a modern age of information overload, where not all sources are trustworthy. Many people, whether intentionally or not, contribute to misinformation—from those who romanticize the past or the japanese culture, to educators who inflate their lineage to bolster their credibility. The internet has brought forth countless “experts,” whose opinions are often presented as verifiable knowledge. I, too, was once a victim of this phenomenon as a beginner, attending workshops where a couple of Japanese names were casually dropped, and personal beliefs about shibari were taught as facts. This experience deepened my resolve to seek out primary sources and verify every claim.
In many ways, I have had the advantage of approaching this subject from the perspective of someone who is not part of the shibari scene, nor professionally involved in it. I have no financial interests or personal agenda beyond the search for truth. I am, at my core, simply a student of shibari. This position has allowed me to explore the history with a certain degree of objectivity and openness, free from the biases that can sometimes cloud the views of those more deeply entrenched in the culture.
A Journey of Discovery
This process has been a journey of discovery, not just of shibari’s history but of its essence. It has taught me that truth is rarely simple or linear.
While there is a clear consensus and no controversy regarding most parts of the diagram, we must not ignore that others, such as the connections surrounding Akechi Denki, remain more controversial and subject to divergent interpretations to this day. However, delving into these debates lies beyond the scope of this project, as the spirit of the diagram is to provide a foundation for understanding and exploration rather than to resolve disputes.
My hope is that this diagram serves as more than a reference—that it sparks curiosity and dialogue, encouraging others to explore, question, and contribute to the collective understanding of shibari
As Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai and philosopher, once said: ‘Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is. And you must bend to its power or live a lie.’ Let us approach shibari with respect, understanding, and an openness to its true nature.”
Luis Futomomo
