Master "K"

Who is Master "K"?

Master “K” is a North American educator, author and authority on the art and history of shibari/kinbaku. He began his studies in Japan in the early 1970s and has spent over thirty years researching and translating original materials concerning this centuries old art form. He is the author of two books on this subject, the most recent being 2008's "The Beauty of Kinbaku". In this work Master "K" presents for the first time in English a serious, scholarly and in depth look into this legendary erotic art form. Utilizing many rare historical documents, he convincingly shows how shibari/kinbaku evolved from a mix of various Japanese cultural activities including societal customs, religion, Kabuki theatre, Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Japanese martial arts and 18th century judicial practices.

This book was recently added to the holdings of Fuuzoku Shiryoukan, Tokyo, Japan because of, according to Head Librarian Rutsu Nakahara, its "remarkable scholarship, grasp of kinbaku history and beautiful and artistic photographs." Master "K" and his writings have also been praised by three other legenday Japanese kinbaku authorities. Yukimura Haruki called his most recent book, "Wonderful ... a most impressive job of researching and writing... knows the entire history and development of Japanese kinbaku." Arisue Go said, "Master "K" is the most notable and expert overseas kinbaku researcher. He has touched upon the very essence of Japan's culture in his excellent work ..." And Nureki Chimuo, at 80 generally regarded as the greatest living rope master, said “I have never before seen a volume that expresses both such love for rope and such an understanding of the fetishism of the female body.” Nureki also invited Master “K” to a private photo shoot and Kinbaku demonstration in Tokyo and wrote about their encounter in his well-known Internet blog.