There are advantages of being addicted to writing a novel. I can vouch for it. I learn so many things through writing throughout November, and some of it is pretty exhilarating in certain ways, I must say. I talked about erections and whatnot with my fellow novelist a couple of days ago, and last night, during our last write-in for year 2009, I learn about another thing.

SHIBARI. Porn lovers out there would probably recognize the meaning of this word as bondage.

Shibari, a Japanese word literally meaning “bondage,” involves tying a jujun (“one who submits to the rope”) in intricate patterns, usually with several pieces of thin rope. Shibari differs from Western bondage in that, instead of just immobilizing or restraining the bottom, the bottom gains pleasure from being under pressure and strain of the ropes.

The aesthetics of the bound person’s position are also important: in particular, for its use of asymmetric positions to heighten the psychological impact of bondage.

I looked it up as I was intrigue with ‘Shibari’ It was described as if it was some sort of art, and I was right at some point that it was some sort of Japanese art. If the Indians are famous for Kamasutra, then Japanese should be acknowledge for Shibari, an art of pleasure.

There are so many technique for shibari. Among them are:

* Single wrist binding/Katate kubi shibari

* Both wrists binding/Ryoute kubi shibari

* Handcuff binding/Tejou shibari

* Prisoner handcuff binding/Renkou tejou shibari

* Hands behind the back binding/Ushiro te shibari

* High hands behind the back binding/Ushiro takate kote shibari

* Hands behind the head tie/Koutou ushiro te shibari

* Tasuki (kimono string) tied/Tasuki (tasuki) shibari

* Crotch rope tie/Mata nawa shibari

* Turtle (diamond pattern) binding/Kikkou shibari (hishi nawa shibari)

* Upright standing binding/Chokuritsu fudou ippon shibari

* Cross-legged binding/Agura shibari

* Shrimp binding/Ebi shibari

* Reverse shrimp binding/Sakasa ebi shibari

* Standing partial suspension/Tachi tsuri shibari

* One foot lifted partial suspension/Kataashi age tsuri shibari

* Hanging letter M, open leg binding/M ji kaikyaku tsuri shibari

* Reverse hanging shrimp binding/Gyaku ebi tsuri shibari

The history of Shibari is rather interesting. In the 1700’s Japan was under the Tokugawa Government, four kinds of punishment were common. These were as follows: pressing parts of the prisoner’s body with a heavy rock, the whip, rope restriction and suspension with ropes. Rope was used to create poor circulation, immobility, and humiliating positions for prisoners. Different types of binding and different colors of rope were used to identify the kind of crime the prisoner had committed and the social class he belonged to. It was physically painful and I would assume mentally brutal.

During World War II, the Japanese came into contact with Germans and learned the concepts of the West and legacy of the Marquis de Sade. These were added to the ancient art, its symbol of power, hemp ropes, and the artistic concept of beauty and the art form that we know today as: Shibari came into being. The Shibari art form increased to the point that special theatres were created for it!

As we look at the world today we see Japanese bondage (Kinbaku/Shibari) used for sexual bonding, personal release, and as an image for art.

Cleffairy: I think I should give writing a little break! I’m kinda overwhelmed!