There is a huge diversity of books about rope bondage. Each of them usually represents the style of its author, which makes each of them unique. It would not be possible to make an extensive list of all the books, but I listed the ones I own physically or are available for online consultation. Feel free to recommend your favourite books in the comments. If you are the author of a book below, feel free to recommend the best links to purchase your book.
Note: many recent books written with generative AI often contain inaccurate information and are not part of this list. Other older books listed below may sometimes be a bit outdated and should be used with the understanding that they represent the best knowledge of their time
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The first Rope365 book is underway. In the meantime, a lot of the book content is accessible for free on the website. Supporting patrons also get early access to some of the content. Join the newsletter or follow on Patreon for free to get the latest updates.
Great Books to Start With!
An overview of my top recommendations. Depending on your intentions, aesthetic and style, some may better fit your needs than others.
Essence of Shibari: Kinbaku and Japanese Rope Bondage by Shin Nawakari
An excellent book on Japanese-style rope. Beyond the safety and basics, it includes lots of classic ties and creative improvisations. It features ties on both men and women. Original in Chinese, translated to English.
Shibari You Can Use by Lee Harrington
Discover a variety of ties in a fusion style that mixes in more Western-style bondage. This book showcases a wide range of body types and gender representation.
Better Bondage for Every Body by Evie Vane
If you are looking to acquire core knowledge and discover the diversity of the rope community, this is what you need. It showcases topics like nerve anatomy, neuroscience, warming up the body and pain processing. This is not a how-to tie book but includes a few ties to adapt to different flexibility range.
Tying and Flying: Bondage for self-suspension by Shay Tiziano
For the self-tyers, this book covers many body ties and all the information to get into the air. A lot of the knowledge can be transposed to tying a partner. It features a fusion style of bondage.
Shibari Suspensions: A Step by Step Guide by Gestalta
If suspension is your goal, this book will take you in there in a straight line. It features Japanese-style structures and techniques and covers floorwork, partial, and a few classic suspensions.
Video Reviews
This playlist of book references includes videos by Rope365 and others about interesting books. Follow Rope365 on Patreon to be notified of new content and get early access to new videos.
More Educational Rope Bondage Books
More educational books that are available in store.
The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage by Midori
Published in 2001, this book starts with an interesting section on the mindset behind rope bondage. It contains step-by-step instructions for 7 different classic ties. The instructions are drawn, so they may be harder to follow than in other books.
Miumi-U Teaches Japanese Shibari by Miumi-U
This book showcase some complex ties likes the box ties using lots of pictures. This is a good companion along with other resources.
More Shibari You Can Use by Lee Harrington
If you enjoyed Shibari You Can Use, this sequel will take you through more exploration and advanced ties such as hair ties, head harness, hands in front harness, etc.
Somatics for Rope Bottoms by Natasha Nawataneko
An excellent reflective writing for people in Rope
The Medicine of Tying by Dr. Maneemon
Anatomy and medical knowledge applied to Rope Bondage by a medical professional. Recommended for advanced practitioners.
Bondage Basics by Lord Morpheous
Educational book that covers lots of basic ties. Features a few sexy stars from adult movies that you may recognize.
Archeology of Personalities: a linguistic approach to erotic rope bondage by Barkas
An essay about the interaction and communication in rope bondage. This is a philosophical reading and doesn’t contain rope tutorials.
The Little Guide to Getting Tied Up by Evie Vane
A collection of tips for those who wish to be tied up.
Complete Shibari: Land by Douglas Kent
A collection of floorwork ties tutorials, it contains a great section on understanding frictions.
Complete Shibari: Sky by Douglas Kent
A collection of suspension tutorials. This book is best used in combination with other resources to get all the knowledge about tension and safety required for safer suspensions.
Showing you the Ropes by Two Knotty Boys
A classic of fusion style bondage, the The Knotty Boys style uses a lot of fancy knots to create shapes on the body.
Back on the Ropes by Two Knotty Boys
If you enjoyed “Showing you the Rope. You can dive deeper into the fusion style with this sequel.
Foundation of Rope Bondage by TheDutchy
Rope bondage tutorial book in a western style. Most ties on a petite woman wearing a white zentai. Some alternative shown self-tied on men.
The Beauty of Kinbaku by Master K
A book focused on the history of Japanese bondage. It features biographies on several important Japanese artists, a collection of pictures by the author, a large glossary and a short primer on tying at the end. See also the author website www.thebeautyofkinbaku.com
Erotic Bondage Handbook by Jay Wiseman
Published in 2000, this book got popular because of its safety section.
Fundamentals: Shibari for Beginners & Beyond by William Desjardins aka Willcat
Tutorial for basic building blocks and additional readings about safety, community and consent.
Japan Art Revolution: The Japanese Avant-Garde from Angura to Provoke by Amélie Ravalec
A great book on the Avant-Garde Japanese Art Movement. Includes a section on Kinbaku, Nobuyoshi Araki, and has several images of Japanese bondage from a diversity of artists.
Books about Rope Martial Arts
Reference material for Hojōjutsu 捕縄術 and other rope based martial art. They are generally consider an indirect ancestor of rope bondage and can be used to inspire your ties. See History and Prisoner Ties for more activities on these topics
Hojōjutsu: The Warrior’s Art of the Rope by Christian Russo
A great overview ot hojōjutsu, the history, techniques and different schools. It contains a small section on rope bondage. Original in Italian but also available in English.
Samurai Bondage Vol 1 by Fujita Seiko & Eric Shahan
Partial translation of the famous Zukai Torinawajutsu. Includes the original text in Japanese, a translation and comments by the translator. Lots of drawings that are interesting to analyze. Two volumes.
Hojo Kyohan: An Instructor’s Guide to the Police Rope by Mura Inokichi & Eric Shahan
Translation of an instructor guide to police rope from 1926. Includes the original text in Japanese, a translation and comments by the translator.
Samurai Bondage Vol. 2 by Fujita Seiko & Eric Shahan
Second half of the translation of the Zukai Torinawajutsu
Shashin de oboeru Hojojutsu 写真で覚える捕縄術 by Hiro Mizukoshi
Tutorial book on hojōjutsu. It contains lots of picture tutorials. Only in Japanese but can be appreciated without the knowledge of the language.
Ittatsu-Ryu Hojo-Jutsu 一達流捕縄術 by Kazuhiko Itatsu 板津和彦
Tutorial of hojōjutsu ties on mannequin. Most ties are a single image with a long text description. Text in Japanese and English
拳法極意當身殺活法明解 by Fujita Seiko
Documentation of vital points for martial arts.
Zukai Tori Nawa Jutsu by Fujira Seiko
Documentation of torinawa/hojojutsu ties from various schools.
Educational Book not Specific to Rope Bondage
These books are not about rope bondage but are interesting to expand your rope bondage journey.
The Ashley Book of Knots by Clifford W. Ashley
The bible of knots. Not a rope bondage book but contains so much information about ropes that it will surely get your brain bursting with ideas.
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
A great resource that includes breathing anatomy, spine movement and diagrams of various poses with safety notes.
Applied Anatomy of Aerial Arts by Emily Scherb
A great anatomy resource, especially for aerial arts.
Dirty Japanese by Matt Fargo
A book about the dirty side of Japanese Lingo, including a section on erotic terms that are of interest in rope bondage.
Urban Tantra by Barbara Carrellas
An introduction to Tantra that is kink friendly with many activities compatible with a rope practice
The Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit & Lawrence M. Elson
A great resource for anatomy, including a great section about nerves.
Atlas of Anatomy by Anne M. Gilroy et al.
A medical book, excellent resource for anatomy, especially the nerve section.
The Illustrated Kama Sutra – Ananga-Ranga – Performed Garden by Translated by Sir Richard Burton
This edition of the Kama Sutra includes two image of people tied up.
Art Rope Bondage Books
These books include magazines, photo books and comic books that are available to purchase.
Men* in Rope by Mango
Photobook of men and non-binary humans in rope. Not a tutorial but does contain writing on the history of men representation in rope and the style of Akechi Kanna
Seiu Ito and Kinbaku Photographs by Atelier Third
Photobook of vintage photography from the Abnormal Museum.
Seiu Ito’s Blame Arts by Atelier Third
A collection of paintings and drawings by Seiu Ito from the Abnormal Museum, in English and Japanese.
The Adventures of Sweet Gwendoline by John Willie
A collection of comics and illustrations by John Willie, including a few drawn tutorials that are a classic of the damsel in distress style.
The Pleasure of Rope by Bob Bentley
Photobook and excerpts from the documentary video by the same author.
Rituals and Paradoxes by Andy Buru
An essay about sadomasochism, esoteric eroticism and the intimacy of belonging, including some description and pictures of rope bondage
Les éditions Ostra: L’age d’or du fétichisme by Unknown
Photobook from the Biederer brothers from the 1930s with many kinky one involving rope bondage.
Rare Books Related to Rope Bondage
These books are out of print but sometimes can be found on the used market. Links to view the book’s content are added when available. Let us know if you have a source to buy any of these books new, or if you know of resources to get access to the content.
美しき縛しめ Utsukushiki Imashime – Tying in a Beautiful Way to Punish by 美濃村晃 Minomura Kou
The first Japanese rope bondage photobook
美しき縛しめ 第2集 Utsukushiki Imashime 2 – Tying in a beautiful way to punish 2 by 辻村隆 Tsujimura Takashi
The second published photobook of Japanese rope bondage.
夏の四十八手 – Seme no shijūhatte – 48 Seme Positions by 伊藤晴雨 Itō Seiu
Painting and drawing of torture methods, most of them of women tied up.
SM耽美文学別巻 SMプレイ – SM Play – You can play SM by 浦戸宏 Urado Hiroshi
The first tutorial book
Kitan Club from February 2nd 1961.
Japanese rope bondage magazine
Kinbaku Posing Catalog How to draw rope posing by Nawashi Kanna
A reference book for drawing manga, it contains a large amount of pictures of different ties from different angles. A great way to dive into the style of Nawashi Kanna. It can be appreciated without knowledge of Japanese.
- Amazon.jp
- Amazon.com (unavailable)
How to tie a girl 1 by anonymous author
Tutorials for several classic ties done in a drawing style. Since it contains only drawing it is easier to import than other Japanese bondage books. It can be appreciated without knowledge of Japanese.
- Unavailable
How to tie a girl 2 by Kazami Ranki & Shigonawa Bingo,
Tutorials for several classic ties, including basic suspension with Kazami’s famous box tie and hip harness. Since it contains only drawings it is easier to import than other Japanese bondage books. It can be appreciated without knowledge of Japanese.
- Amazon.com (unavailable)
How to tie a girl 3 by Golden and Otonawa
An in-depth dive in safety in rope bondage. Since it contains no nude pictures, it is easier to import than other Japanese bondage books. This book is recommended for those who can read Japanese.
- Unavailable
Nawatomische Tabellen by Arisue Go
Educational book that includes classic ties and a few suspension poses. It contains lots of pictures and can be appreciated without understanding Japanese.
- Jugoya.com (unavailable)
Kinbaku Theory And Practices by Arisue Go
Educational book that includes classic ties and a few suspension poses. It contains lots of pictures and can be appreciated without understanding Japanese.
- Jugoya.com (unavailable)
The Book Of Five Rings For Rope Arts Vol.1 by Arisue Go
Educational book that includes classics ties and a few suspensions poses. It contains lots of pictures and can be appreciated without understanding Japanese.
- Jugoya.com (unavailable)
The Book Of Five Rings For Rope Arts Vol.2 by Arisue Go
This book is a mix of rope tutorials and pornographic images, it contains a DVD of pornographic videos. It contains lots of pictures and can be appreciated without understanding Japanese.
L’imaginaire érotique au Japon by Agnès Giard
An exploration of the different erotic practices in Japan. It contains a small section on rope bondage. Even if the book is heavily illustrated, it is best to understand the language, in French and Japanese.
Kinbaku Mind and Techniques 2 by Arisue Go
Stand-alone and doesn’t require book one. Covers a lot of floorwork ties in the style of Arisue Go that is a bit chaotic. Pictures are in black and white and more recent books by Arisue Go in Japanese have higher quality content.
- Out of print
- Jugoya.com
Bondage for Sex by Chanta Rose
Educational book with a focus on sexy ties for the bedroom.
- Out of print
- Amazon.com
Kinbaku Mind and Techniques 1 by Arisue Go
This book was originally designed for the students of Arisue Go to go along his classes. This book covers basic suspension and is best used along with other resources.
- Out of print
- Jugoya.com
Coming soon by Unknown
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Cinemagic Vol 3. by Million Mook
Magazine
SM Sniper 2005 11
Magazine
性愛 大論点
Book about “abnormal love” including some picture and interview with Akechi Denki
We Love Kabuki-Cho by Kano Hana & Yagami Ren
Photobook
Photo Essay by Hajime Kinoko
Photobook
Akechi by Unknown
Photobook of Akechi Denki
Kanna & Kagura 10th Anniversary by Unknown
Photobook
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Coming soon by Hajime Kinoko
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Professional by Unknown
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The Study of Bondage and Discipline in Japanese Style
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SM Sniper 2005 10
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The Better Build Bondage Book by Douglas Kent
While this book focuses on non-rope bondage, it does have a section on knots and information on how to install a hardpoint.
- DouglasKent.com (sold out)
Coming soon by Unknown
Photobook
Ground Zero: Foundation by Arnoys Nicolas
Photobook
Ground Zero: Threads by Arnoys Nicolas
Photobook
Coming soon by Hajime Kinoko
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Red by Hajime Kinoko
Photobook
Nawanano by Hajime Kinoko
Photobook
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いいなり 240
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Coming soon by Yukimura Haruki
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Coming soon by Yukimura Haruki
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1972-2017 by Sugiura Norio
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Drawings of bondage
Pleasure and A Little Pain
Photobook with rope by Akechi Denki
Tokyo Strip
Photobook with rope by Akechi Denki
Coming soon by Unknown
Photobook with rope by Akechi Denki
Book Resources
- https://kinbakubooks.wordpress.com/ a great blog with lots of reviews and captures of a variety of books
- Rope Books & Videos by Tatu
- Another list of books on Bondage lists
Or return to Resources to explore different knowledge sources.
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