@****shi I contacted him on Fetlife, in English, asking him if I am allowed to post his original text here and, if so, how he wants to be credited.
But thank you for posting it here for everyone else.
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On topic: I am not entirely sure what kind of website "Shape" is, but to me, it looks like a lifestyle magazine. We have to keep that context in mind when discussing the (absolutely justified!) criticism posted in the text you quoted.
Yes, I would wish proper research was done as well. And not only in this case, but in many other articles about shibari as well as on other niche topics, especially within the BDSM area. But this was never the goal of the article. We, being anything from hobbyists to profesionals, but already educated on the subject, are not the audience the article is meant for. It is not meant for us to enjoy.
ANd neither is it meant to actually educate anybody on the subject. Despite the claim. The way lifestyle-blogs as well as Instagram stories work is: pick a topic people do not know a lot about, the more "exotic" the better, appear knowledgeable, have people share the article with friends and followers (who are all equally new to the subject) and profit from youir ad revenue.
This also explains the "recommendations" at the end of the article. Cameron "Hanibal" Damage for example is one of THE most infulential influencers in the are of kink and, especially, online sexwork - so if they would NOT mention them, they'd get called out for missing them. It's not important if she's actually a peer in the area of shibari and recognized as such in the scene - the important thing is that she has many fans and followers online. (Don't get me wrong, as far as I can tell she's a pretty cool person. In no way to I mean this to be directed at her in any way.)
If this article would be a factually correct but also rather complex text, quoting actual japanese expert and providing the encessary context for everyone to be able to properly understand the history of shibari, the audience of such lifestyle blog would not read the article, and even less share it. They're not interested in in-depth knowledge of the subject, they see it as a curiosity and entertaining trivia, more than actual education.
This is not a problem related to Shibari in any way. This is a problem of the internet and media. The sole reason many kink topics, shibari amongst them, are often topic of such articles is that, especially in the US, sex has only recently started to become a topic that people openly talk about. A lot of it is still rather taboo in many countries worldwide, which makes it especially useful for clickbait. Tantra was the first niche sex topic to be commercialized and "esoteroified" for the greater public. BDSM was made popular to be talked about by the release of the 50 shades of grey movies, which was perfectly timed (and not by coincidence!) and is still rising as a topic - and with it came "education" on sex toys and about experimenting with each other. Shibari and other specific niches of BDSM will be next, no doubt.
However, I DO see problems coming with this trend. As with all topics that are popular on social media, most people will not ever invest the time to gather in-depth knoweldge, but nevertheless spread the "facts" they know, until they become common knowledge. Common - but still incorrect.
However, we, as a community, can also take this as a chance: with the topic being discussed more and more in society around us, we can establish ourselves as experts - instead of trying not to be labeld as freaks by the public. Shibari educators can contact media and offer their knowledge. ANy kind of rope event, be it Dojos, conventions or local rope meetups can post their links on media whenever the subject comes up and gain new members.
However, this requires taking control of the narrative. To be out there. So - if you are a rope educator, have a following on social media or feel like rope is important to you, take this is a call to action.
