THE SHIBARI BDSM SCENE IN JAPAN: SM AND FETISH BAR WITASEXTOPIA
If you’ve ever heard of BDSM, the chances are you will think of leather and handcuffs before you think of rope. While BDSM covers a wide range of different kinks, Shibari rope bondage is becoming more, for the lack of a better word, “popular”. As more visitors to Japan are looking for less touristy spots to venture to, bars that showcase performances of Shibari and Kinbaku are a nice fit. It’s something that is rooted in Japan’s history and has become modernized by passing it down through generations.
THE ART OF JAPANESE ROPE BONDAGE ‘SHIBARI’
The difference between Japanese Shibari bondage and Kinbaku is very slim. Both mean “to be tied” or “to bind”. There are different styles that range from a traditional hemp and kimono performances to glow-in-the-dark rope with trance music in the background. Whatever your flavor, there are countless Kinbaku clubs that will help you learn how to tie, allow you to be tied, or just admire the art of Shibari in Japan. In Kansai, the Shibari rope scene works together with other forms of BDSM. Some performers dedicate their entire time to only Shibari and learning other forms of the Kinbaku arts. Others will use the Shibari art to add to a scene that involves spanking, whipping, and other forms punishment. To find these performances, however, will take a little bit of research and exploring. It’s not like S&M themed bars are going to be in your traveler’s guide. I hope in this blog, and the many more to come, will help you navigate the wide variety of BDSM bars in Kansai and the beautiful art of Shibari rope bondage.
WHAT IS JAPANESE SHIBARI ROPE BONDAGE AND KINBAKU?
Modern Japanese rope tying focuses on either control or domination. When two limbs are bound together, no matter how small or easily accessible, that person is at a disadvantage...vulnerable. For some, this vulnerability is comforting as well as uncomfortable; frightening and exciting. For the person doing the tying, it’s a similar balancing act of emotions: to punish and to nurture. The focus of Shibari is not soley based on sex but rather fulfilling an emotional desire. The most common, and most noticeable, is the desire to feel in control of someone. Or to be controlled by someone. Most of us have jobs where multiple bosses control everything from how long we work to when we can stop working. In Japanese society specifically, the feeling of monotony causes many to look for rejuvenation in other forms. In order to continue this exasperated circle. “All You Can Drink”, “All You Can Eat” restaurants encourage gorging on unhealthy quantities to eliminate the growing void in the day-to-day. However, when a person encounters Shibari, the body releases its own cures for such a void. The person being tied gives themselves permission to express feelings of discomfort and satisfaction. While the person tying gives themselves permission to explore this hunger for control. Imagine that….giving yourself permission to “feel”.
BDSM AND SHIBARI AS A MEANS OF THERAPY
The common rationalization of life is designed to be predictable and safe. Which leads people to look for something exciting to shock their system into enjoying life again. We’ve all heard of the saying about consumerism being just “a copy of a copy”. Which makes people feel hopeless and sometimes very depressed. The solution to being cured is to receive therapy of sorts. An experience that validates not only your feelings but also your very existence. Here’s were most BDSM, or “kink”, comes into play. The world of BDSM can be seen as more than just a break from the cattle line. But more as therapy. It can help to release the feelings that we are ultimately taught to suppress for the “greater good” of capitalism. “It’s nothing personal, just business.” This is release, whether being given or received, can become just as common as going out for a drink… Only with a few marks afterwards.
BDSM AND SHIBARI BARS IN JAPAN
Seeking BDSM bars in Japan is finding small pockets of freedom in commercialized areas. There aren’t any glowing signs or people standing outside to coerce you inside. Most signs are subtle and the experience depends primarily on if you’re a man or a woman. And whether you are a dominate or submissive. It should come as no surprise that the pricing and catering of most BDSM bars aren’t as balanced as other spots. The price for women is lower to encourage them to visit. And the price for men is higher to turn a decent profit. While some guy will be quick to point out the “unfairness” of this method, believe me it keeps a nice “check and balance” system. For those who are just visiting the Kansai area, it’s no different than paying for entry into a park to see nature. The price you pay helps preserve the space for generations to come. Likewise, experiencing Japanese rope bondage in Kansai should be on everyone’s “To Do” list. Along with visiting the Buddha in Nara and the castles in Kyoto. The bars typically don’t carry as wide a selection as the more “vanilla” bars. But there’s something for everyone. Some even offer a small menu for those feeling a little bit hungry during their visit. But don’t expect any Michelin star dishes.
SHIBARI SPECIAL EVENTS AND PERFORMANCES IN KANSAI
The biggest difference between each place is their performances and special events. There are many skilled Shibari artists in the Kansai area that will not only perform but also teach classes. The price for the workshops may be included in the entrance fee depending on who the artists are. If participating is a bit much for your vacation adventurous side, admire the step-by-step instruction from the comfort of your bar stool. What better way to be educated about Shibari in a way that is often missed in Japanese AV films. Japanese AV that focuses on the subject of Kinbaku aren’t very accurate when it comes to subject of “How To…”. In general, the films focus on women getting tied, often against their will, and then submitting to sex. This can be a little intimidating for a tourist that is considering walking into a bar with low lighting and few exits. Even the stereotypes that such places are run by organized crime only heighten misinterpreted fear that these places are an “underbelly” of Japan nightlife. In all honesty, however, Shibari clubs and BDSM bars operate just like any local bar. The environment, the decor, and the music are chosen to create an environment for a target group. So, you might be asking yourself, “Where should I go first? I want to check it out but don’t want to pay to get tied up and beat!” I tell everyone that asks, “Check out Witasextopia”.
AN SM AND FETISH BAR IN UMEDA: WITASEXTOPIA
At Witasextopia, the environment gives a seemingly dark gothic or “leather family” vibe at first glance. The bar itself is a small, narrow space with most of the area dedicated to a slightly elevated section that doubles as for both additional seating and play. The walls are decorated with nicely framed taxidermy, mostly tarantulas, and scorpions. Scan the walls further and you will see some beautiful pictures of women in rope bondage. As well as multiple tools for BDSM play. The music setting the mood are selections from genres such as EDM, Industrial Metal, maybe a little Technical Deathcore. Depending on who’s working the bar that night. One thing I really enjoy about the music is that it’s played loud enough to enjoy. But doesn’t blast, so you can have a conversation with people. Along the lines of entertainment, it all depends on the night you attend.
WITASEXTOPIA BAR DETAILS
Address: 2 Chome-14-10 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu 530-0057 Building: Umeda Crystal Building 7th Floor Open Hours: 6 PM ~ 5 AM (Mon~Sun) Bar Website: http://witasexutopia.com/ Bar Twitter: @wita_staff
WITASEXTOPIA BDSM SHIBARI PERFORMANCES
The performances can be really amazing, given the space that the performers have to work with, offering everything from suspension Japanese rope bondage, whipping, and so on. If there isn’t a special performance that night, patrons have been known to engage in spanking, whipping, and rope bondage to the delight of those who want to watch. There is also a TV, in the opposite corner of the bar that plays documentaries of Kinbaku (rope bondage) or other BDSM topics. The staff at Witasextopia are some of the nicest to talk to, some displaying very beautiful piercings and body modifications. The English that is spoken can be very basic such as introduction phrases, a few expressions, and some unique vocabulary here and there. If you speak zero Japanese, the staff will kindly help get you get settled in with a drink. If you speak Japanese, be familiar with some of the Kansai-ben (Kansai dialect of Japanese), it may come in handy. The owner of the bar, Shiho Shinomiya, is a very hospitable host who has done many performances showcasing her Japanese rope bondage skills. If the bar isn’t too chaotic and busy, you might be able to put in a request to experience her skills first hand. If you and a friend would like to play a bit at the bar, you can simply go into the space to give it a go. Keep in mind, it can be a bit of a tight spot if more than 10 people show up at once. Also, many different types of Kink are explored at Witasextopia, within reason of sanity and public health. So, if seeing someone cross-dressing sends you into a panic or a giggle-fit, visit the “vanilla” bars along the main street instead.
IN CONCLUSION
I suggest this bar as the first stop for any first-time visitors to the Osaka/Kansai BDSM bar scene. It is a great representation of what the Shibari and BDSM scene is. The regulars that attend are always friendly and there are fliers for events throughout Kansai. Over the years, this has become sort of like “Home Base” for me and keeps me in the loop of events that month. So, if you find yourself in Osaka near Umeda, I highly recommend a visit!
