Figures in Kinbaku & Shibari

Foundational & Historic Figures (Pre-1970s / Early Movement)

Seiu Ito (Eastern – Early 20th c.)

A Japanese painter and photographer often considered a proto-influence on modern kinbaku imagery, tying artistic practice to erotic rope aesthetics. Wikipedia

Osada Eikichi (Eastern – 1960s–2001)

Postwar kinbaku pioneer who brought bondage into public SM theater performances and helped professionalize rope artistry on stage in Japan. World Kinbaku Federation+1

Classic Japanese Kinbaku Masters (1970s–1990s)

Akechi Denki (Eastern – 1970s–2005)

Respected master who systemized shibari techniques, dramatically shaping performance and narrative rope work. World Kinbaku Federation+1

Chimuo Nureki (Eastern – 1950s–2013)

Legendary kinbaku master, prolific writer and performer with five decades of influence; often called one of the 20th century’s most significant bondage artists. ShibariNews

Haruki Yukimura (Eastern – 1970s–2016)

Photographer-turned-bakushi known for his emotionally expressive rope style emphasizing communication between artist and model. MyShibari

Benio Takara (Eastern – Late 20th c.)

One of the first widely recognized female Japanese rope artists, expanding gender representation in kinbaku circles. ShibariNews

Naka Akira (Eastern – Contemporary / 2000s onward)

Modern Japanese nawashi noted for innovative ties and influential teaching; associated with evolving styles within Japan. Wikipedia on IPFS

Contemporary Japanese Practitioners (1990s–Present)

Hajime Kinoko (Eastern – 2000s–Present)

Artist and photographer whose personal, asymmetrical rope compositions draw inspiration from ikebana and sculptural aesthetics. Wikipedia

Nawashi Kanna (Eastern – Contemporary)

Creator of a recognized ryu (style) and active in modern kinbaku communities. Wikipedia on IPFS

Yagami Ren (Eastern – Contemporary)

Younger influential rope artist with distinct style and active performance work. Kinbaku Academy

Photographers & Cultural Documentarians

Nobuyoshi Araki (Eastern – 1970s–Present)

World-famous Japanese photographer whose work often incorporates rope aesthetics and erotic themes, influencing wider cultural perception of kinbaku and shibari imagery. Dazed Digital

Norio Sugiura (Eastern – Late 20th c.)

Renowned Japanese bondage photographer whose images have become iconic within the art form. MyShibari

Bridging Into the West

Midori (Western – 1990s–Present)

Midori is one of the most influential BDSM educators and writers in the Western world, with a major impact on how rope bondage is understood, practiced, and taught outside Japan.

She is best known for:

Osada Steve (Western/Eastern Bridge – 1990s–Present)

German practitioner who trained in Japan under masters like Osada Eikichi and Yukimura; significant in popularizing Japanese rope traditions outside Japan and structuring teaching methods in the West. MyShibari+1

Western Rope Artists Influenced by Japanese Kinbaku (Western – 1990s–Present)

While not exhaustive, the broader Western shibari community includes creators and educators like Wykd Dave, Gestalta, Gorgone, and others who blend Japanese-inspired aesthetics with local practice. Wikipedia on IPFS

Pop Culture & Early Western Influence

Bettie Page (Western – 1950s)

American pin-up icon and early bondage model whose S&M and rope photos popularized erotic restraint imagery in mid-century Western fetish culture. Wikipedia

Irving Klaw (not a rope artist) (Western – 1950s)

Photographer and producer who helped bring fetish and bondage imagery (including Bettie Page) into underground American culture. ShibariNews

Notes on Terms