Generally speaking, shibari translates from Japanese to English as “tying up” and kinbaku as “tightening.” We acknowledge that within Japanese-speaking communities, these definitions may fall short of the nuanced differences and are presented here simplified for a Western audience.
| Kinbaku | Often used interchangeably with Shibari, Kinbaku emphasizes the sensual and emotional connection between the rigger (person tying) and the model. It’s characterized by intricate patterns and tight, restrictive ties that are often meant to be visually beautiful and emotionally intense. |
| Yukimora | Yukimura Haruki (1948-2016) was a Japanese rope artist who emphasized eroticism with high communication between partners and the dynamism of the tying process. It is a gentle, loving style that can also involve elements of control, but it primarily about communicating emotion and love through the rope exchange. A typical Yukimora-style tie is a hands-in-front tie: single column on one arm, wrap around both arms twice, bend in middle, wrap around inner warps, catching the bend, secure with another twist aibu no nawa … caressing rope |
| Hojo Jutsu | Originating from the methods used by samurai to restrain prisoners, Hojo Jutsu focuses on functional ties designed to immobilize and secure. This style is less about aesthetics and more about effective restraint, though it has influenced modern Shibari. |
| Newaza (Floor Work) | This style involves tying the model while they remain on the floor. It includes a variety of positions, from sitting to lying down, and often emphasizes comfort and safety, making it ideal for prolonged sessions or for those new to Shibari. |
| Dominance bondage, sex bondage (“bedroom bondage”) | Often used in a more BDSM context, you may hear the term dominance bondage to refer to bondage used to create or practice power exchange, BDSM or kink. Sex bondage means bondage you do to have sex, whatever that means for you. Either of these may also be referred to as bedroom bondage. Of course, elements of power exchange and sexual eroticism are present in several other of the shibari styles listed here. |
| Freestyling | Freestyling is a method by which the rope top doesn’t plan ahead what they will do but instead intuits, creates, or expresses a pattern or concept in the moment. Although freestyling can be learned, natural freestylers tend to dislike formal structured tying. Freestyler rope tops typically are attracted to the creativity the style invites in them. |
| Suspension | As the name suggests, this style involves suspending the model in the air using ropes. Suspension is an advanced form of Shibari that requires a strong understanding of rope placement, balance, and safety. It can be combined with different positions, creating dynamic and visually striking scenes. |
| Aesthetic Shibari | This style prioritizes the visual and artistic aspects of rope bondage. The patterns and knots are arranged to create a visually appealing design on the body, often used in photoshoots and performances. see Hishi Karada, Hishi Diamond |
| Predicament Bondage | This style involves tying the model in a way that puts them in a challenging or uncomfortable position, where they must balance or endure a certain level of discomfort. The focus is on creating a mental and physical challenge. |