WATANABE YASUJI AND YUKIMURA HARUKI: ROPE AND ROMANTICISM
Shin Kou Sabre was photographed by Watanabe Yasuji with kinbaku by Yukimura Haruki.
ROPE AND ROMANTICISM - Photo Shoot 2011 May (Toyko Japan)
The common reaction to those who are unfamiliar with kinbaku/shibari (緊縛/縛り) is either excitement or fear. Fear from those who do not understand it. Excitement for those who are curious.
In history kinbaku (緊縛) has been used in the military followed by martial artists as a means to restrain someone. In recent times it is used as rope bondage or artistically to produce elaborate patterns.
For me personally the journey has been self discovery. In Yukimura sensei’s words he explores the use of the rope as a means to form a connection. The rope is like an extension of himself to evoke an emotion, to reveal what is hidden.
The difficult part is to let go and allow that connection. The kinbaku is not about pretty patterns or technical skill. It goes beyond that. Once the technique has been mastered, the rope through the master serves two purposes. One is to bring the emotion to the surface whether it is shame, fear, pain, excitement or pleasure. The other is to communicate a relationship of mutual trust and respect.
Watanabe Yasuji (渡邊安治) the photographer captured those emotions as they unfolded, an exchange within that moment. The images although only express a moment in time will be a lasting memory for those who had the privilege to experience it firsthand.
Thank you to Watanabe Yasuji (渡邊安治), Yukimura Haruki (雪村春樹), Harukichi and Nuit de Tokyo and of course my partner. I am looking forward to returning to Japan and creating some movies with Yukimura Haruki (雪村春樹), and photographs with Watanabe Yasuji (渡邊安治).
Watanabe Yasuji was the chief editor of the Japanese magazine SM Sniper which was first launched thirty years ago. The magazine has since closed down due to the economic downturn in 2008. Watanabe Yasuji's photographic work has been featured in many solo exhibitions, magazines and his most recent book "Akai Hana" featuring Yukimura Haruki.
Yukimura Haruki is one of the greatest Japanese Shihan of Kinbaku (緊縛師範) Grandmaster of Kinbaku. He produces many video programs and is the author of numerous beautiful books. Haruki Yukimura appeared in the documentary "Bakushi" directed by Hiroki Ryuichi.
渡邊安治 - 雪村春樹写真撮影 2011年5月 (東京 日本)
雪村春樹による 真光 セイバーの 縛りは 渡邊安治により撮影された。
渡邊安治氏は 30年前に最初に出版された日本の雑誌S&M スナイパーの編集長であった。 雑誌は、2008年に不況の為に閉鎖された。 渡邊安治氏の写真作品は多くの個展, 雑誌に紹介されており 彼の最も最近の著書『赤い花』には 雪村春樹氏の作品が 紹介されている。
雪村春樹氏は日本最大の緊縛師範の一人である。 彼は多くのビデオプログラムをプロデュースし 数多くの美しい本の著者である。 雪村春樹氏は, 廣木 隆一監督のドキュメンタリー『縛師』に登場した。
