Kinbaku Today invites articles, interviews, galleries, and reviews of topics of interest to Japanese kinbaku and shibari enthusiasts.
Articles may be historical, commentary, or opinion pieces and generally should not exceed 1,500 words. We evaluate all content based on its relevance to our audience and we do not focus on any particular school, style, or approach. All viewpoints are welcome.
Interviews with practitioners of kinbaku and shibari are always welcome.
We accept galleries of photography of shibari, usually ranging between 12 and 25 images.
With the recent publication of many new books on kinbaku in the west, we are actively looking for reviews of new books related to kinbaku and shibari, which may include historical works, collections of essays or philosophical approaches, and how to books and introductory guides. Reviews should include availability information and pricing, as well as recommendations for specific audiences who will enjoy and benefit from the work.
Book review guidelines can be found here: book review guidelines
While we encourage critical engagement with work in all areas, the philosophy of Kinbaku Today is treat kinbaku as positive and beneficial activity and to encourage people to explore the erotic, sexual, and intimate connections that erotic rope bondage makes possible. We do not accept personal polemics or works directed at criticism of individuals, styles or schools
Articles and reviews that illuminate, encourage, and help work find its best audience are preferred.
Inquires and submissions should be directed to [email protected] or by using the form below.
Research, Translation, and Archival Standards
Historical articles and archival projects published by Kinbaku Today are grounded, wherever possible, in identifiable primary sources such as magazines, books, photographs, correspondence, and other contemporary publications. Bibliographic details, publication dates, authorship, and attribution are recorded when they can be established from the source or reliable supporting evidence. Where information remains uncertain, the uncertainty should be stated rather than silently resolved.
Translations of Japanese source material aim to preserve the meaning, tone, and historical context of the original while remaining readable in English. Names, titles, terminology, and difficult or uncertain readings are checked against the source material and supporting research when available. Translation notes may be used where wording, attribution, damaged text, or historical terminology requires qualification.
The Kinbaku Research Platform supports this work by organizing magazine issues, article records, translations, books, authors, and research collections. It is intended to make primary material easier to discover and compare while retaining its connection to the original publication.
Interpretive essays and opinion pieces are distinguished from archival and documentary material. Kinbaku Today welcomes disagreement and critical analysis, but factual claims about historical sources should be supported by the strongest available evidence.
For more about the site's history, mission, and research resources, see About Kinbaku Today.
