Milla Reika
Not all rope is created equal. Jute is the most popular rope in Japan for shibari. Rope artist consider their rope to be an extension of themselves; they take a great deal of care in selecting it. Reika bought this bundle in bulk so that she could cut and treat it herself.
After cutting and stretching the rope, Reika uses an open flame to burn off all the frayed bits for a clean and smooth length.
Reika finishes treating her rope by working in a little bit of horse oil for the desired feel and texture.
The streets of Shinsaibashi Osaka are layered with a rich selection of bars and restaurants. Reika and her model 此羽(Konoha) double-check the address of the event space that they will be performing in.
The connection between bottom (the person being tied) and top (the person doing the tying) is paramount. Without that emotional connection, a performance would feel cold and mechanical. Shibari very much is like a dance between top and bottom.
A combination of pain, pleasure, and sensory deprivation
Mila untying her 此羽(Konoha) after a performance
Reika runs a rope salon twice a week where people can come to socialize, watch performances, learn, and practice. Here Reika is demonstrating a variation of a box tie for one of her patrons.
Detail of a carabiner, which are often used in suspensions where you suspend part or all of the model above the ground
Reika closely inspects her model and her rope during a performance at a local club in Umeda, Osaka.
The final act of Reika's performance this evening is a nyotaimori (often translated as “female body arrangement”—the practice of eating sushi off a woman’s naked body). In this case, she used little desserts instead of sushi and offered them to the crowd.