The Artistry of Bondage by Hajime Kinoko

Hajime Kinoko embarked on the journey of shibari, the Japanese art of bondage, in the early 2000s. This initiation came about at the suggestion of a former girlfriend intrigued by the practice, while he was managing a fetish bar frequented by numerous enthusiasts. It was through these patrons that he delved into the various techniques of Japanese bondage, also known as kinbaku, and underwent training under the guidance of master Akechi Denki.

In 2009, Chiharu Karino, an adult film actress, sought his assistance during photoshoots with the renowned kinbaku photographer, Norio Sugiura. After several years of collaboration, Hajime Kinoko himself ventured into the world of bondage photography in 2013, greatly influenced by the master. In addition to performing live shibari demonstrations, he now creates complete works, handling both the photography and video capture. His work has gained global recognition, and he has regularly conducted workshops in cities such as Paris, London, and Munich.

For Hajime Kinoko, shibari is all about connection. When he binds someone, it’s not about capturing or restricting the person but engaging in an exchange with the model. He describes it as if he is connecting to the model. One of his most iconic series, Red (2015), best expresses this sense of connection. In Japanese culture, the red thread symbolises the thread of destiny, connecting people to one another. With this artwork, the artist aimed to emphasize the ties that bind us together.

More information on Hajime Kinoko’s work can be found on the artist’s website.