A Japanese rigger born in 1980 and based in Nagoya, Kasumi Hourai first entered the world of shibari in the late '90s, training under the legendary Akechi Denki.
She later refined her skills at Hajime Kinoko’s Ichinawa Kai and discovered her true calling in semenawa through collaboration with Kitagawa (喜多川).
For a time, she was part of Naka Ryu, even earning Akira Naka’s personal blessing to teach his style. However, after a falling out, that recognition was eventually rescinded.
Since then, Kasumi has forged her own path, blending traditional Japanese techniques with her distinctive flair. Her shibari is a bold, sensual, and polished mix that stands out on any stage.
As a kinbaku instructor, she’s taken her expertise worldwide, teaching workshops across Europe and regularly participating in training events and gatherings in Japan.
For more than a decade, she has been a fixture on the performance circuit in cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, while her consistent work in audiovisual productions—in particular, standout collaborations with Norio Sugiura and, more recently, a permanent role on the rigging team for DOGMA’s projects—has remained a cornerstone of her career.
In the post-pandemic era, bolstered in part by changes to Japanese audiovisual laws, she’s expanded her role in adult productions.
Kasumi is now not only rigging but also modeling and directing, taking a more prominent role in shaping the creative direction of each project.
On September 2024, Kasumi Hourai open her very own Kinbaku Salon, dubbed みやび処 (miyabi-dokoro, or "elegant haven").
This cozy spot in Nagoya is tucked away in a lively neighborhood buzzing with shops and restaurants, with great transport links to boot.
Don’t expect a party venue, live shows, or group workshops here. The salon is all about one-on-one kinbaku lessons, keeping things intimate and focused.
The space comes equipped with a hashira and bamboo, and you can rent traditional Japanese clothing to set the vibe. Ropes? Those are on you—bring your own.
A three-hour session will set you back about 60,000 JPY. Want to go all in? You can book up to three consecutive days, and the price includes a stay in the salon’s well-equipped apartment, perfect for immersing yourself in the experience.
Lessons are taught in Japanese. If you need a translator, tack on an extra. The same rate applies if you’re bringing a model along.
Kasumi suggests booking well in advance—at least a couple of months—since she’s often on the move. If you need translation or a model, she’ll need time to sync up with others.
Payments are made upfront via PayPal, and Kasumi recommends reaching out through the LINE app to get in touch.
