A Weekend with Kasumi Hourai & Akane
Shibari Lounge is really proud to be the stage for their first collaboration outside of Japan
Two leading female professional artists who strongly personify the spirit of traditional Kinbaku. From May 1 to 4 Kasumi and Akane will not only share their extensive knowledge, but also captivate us with their embodiment of Japanese beauty and culture.
A long weekend packed with workshops, performances and private sessions!
The Weekend at a Glance
​Friday May 1 - Full Day Workshop
Exploring the Elegance and Erotic Dimension of Kinbaku
Saturday & Sunday May 2&3 - Two-Day Workshop
A Japanese Classical Approach to Kinbaku
Saturday May 2 - Shibari Night Special
Rope Party with Performance by Kasumi and Akane
Monday May 4 - Lessons & Sessions
About the Teachers
Kasumi Hourai
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Born into a highly traditional Japanese family deeply rooted in cultural practices such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement, Kasumi discovered that the aesthetics and mindset cultivated in her upbringing strongly resonated with the spirit of classical Japanese kinbaku. With 27 years of professional experience as a nawashi (rope artist), countless performances and over a dozen video productions in her name, Kasumi Hourai can be considered one of today’s top Japanese shibarite.
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Kasumi also spent about 10 years as a rope model, which gives her a rare dual perspective on kinbaku. Through this, she developed her own original style that bridges both tying and being tied. She now teaches worldwide, focusing on the similarities between traditional Japanese culture and classical kinbaku.
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After two hugely successful workshop weekends in 2023 and 2024, this will be Kasumi's third visit to Shibari Lounge.
Akane
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​In Japan, Akane has been active as a model under Haruki Yukimura, recorded kinbaku sessions with Akira Naka, and collaborated in kinbaku videos and photography with Kasumi Hourai, among many others.
Known for her passionate love of rope, her profound sensitivity, and her deeply Japanese way of responding to rope, Akane has earned a strong international recognition as one of the best contemporary Japanese ukete.
BeShibari and Shibarista Jess have performed with Akane in Onawa Asobi Tokyo (2019) and Onawa Asobi Europe in Antwerp (2020). Across language barriers, there is a deep feeling of friendship and respect between us.
Together, Kasumi and Akane are two rare artists who have each pursued kinbaku with a uniquely Japanese approach, cherishing its spirit and aesthetics for many years. This will be their first collaboration outside Japan – an opportunity you shouldn’t pass by!
