Shibari Masters and Schools in Japan
Hajime Kinoko / Ichinawakai (Tokyo, Shibuya)
Trained under Nawashi Kanna, Yukimura Haruki, and Akechi Denki. Runs the Ichinawakai school with weekly group classes every Tuesday, and also offers private individual lessons. Source: Shibari Atlas
Hajime Kinoko / Ichinawakai
Website: shibari.jp
Instagram: hajime_shibari
X: hajime_shibari
Osada-ryu (Tokyo, and worldwide network)
Founded by a designated successor of the late Osada Eikichi, who later also studied under Akechi Denki, Yukimura Haruki, and Nawashi Kanna. Operates a network of licensed dojos worldwide; the Tokyo dojo specializes in one-on-one coaching. Sources: Osada-ryu, KinbakuMania
Osada-ryu
Website: osada-ryu.com
Naka Akira (Tokyo)
Student of the legendary Nureki Chimuo — the only student Nureki formally recognized as his direct deshi. Founder of the "Naka-style" (Naka-ryū) semenawa. Since 2018 he has run the Semenawa Kinbaku Research Group at Atelier Naka. Sources: Shibari Atlas, Shibari Dojo
Naka Akira
Website: nakaakira.com
Instagram: n.a.w.a.n.a.k.a
X: @nawanaka1mon
Louis Kordexe (Tokyo)
Student and assistant of Hajime Kinoko. Offers private lessons in English tailored for couples: a 3-hour session covering safety and basic knots (¥55,000), or a 5-hour session covering harnesses and suspension (¥90,000). Source: Louis Kordexe
Louis Kordexe
Website: louiskordexe.com
Instagram: @shibari_kordexe
X: @kordexe
Kanna Akechi / Kannawa-kai (Tokyo)
Senior student of Akechi Denki since 2000; formally succeeded to the Akechi name in a 2020 ceremony in Tokyo. Runs Kannawa-kai and Phantom-no-kai, and has taught many foreign students. Source: Nawapedia
Kanna Akechi / Kannawa-kai
Website: lit.link/akechikanna
Instagram: @akechi_kanna
X: nawashi_kanna
Kazami Ranki / Kazami-ryu (Osaka, also active in Tokyo)
Founder of Kazami-ryu, known as the "Atrocious Nawashi" (Bakushi). Teaching since 2000, with licensed schools in Canada and Australia run by his apprentices. Notably takes no Japanese apprentices. Sources: Tokyo Weekender, Kazami-Ryu
Kazami Ranki / Kazami-ryu
Website: kazami-ryu.com
Instagram: @kazami_ranki
X: @rankikazami
Yukimura Haruki / Yukimura-ryu (Tokyo, Shibuya) — historical
Developed "newaza," a style centered on intimacy and the energetic connection between rigger and model. Taught mostly within Japan until his death in 2016. His Shibuya studio became a key reference point for Japanese and international practitioners. Sources: Shibari Dojo, KinbakuMania
Murasaki Haruan (Tokyo)
Studied under Yukimura Haruki from 2003/2006. In 2014 became the first woman and first Japanese person certified as a Yukimura-ryu instructor. After Yukimura's death in 2016, she began accepting a limited number of students, continuing the lineage. Source: Shibari Atlas
Instagram: murasakirope2023
Akechi Denki (Tokyo) — historical
One of the most influential figures in the history of shibari, active from the late 20th century until his death in 2005. No longer teaching; his lineage and techniques are carried on by Kanna Akechi. Source: Nawapedia
