The Japanese follow the Gregorian calendar, the same as we do, but they name dates using the era system linked to the reigns of their emperors, known as Nengō (年号).
While there’s no factual basis for it, the changes in era often symbolize social changes, with each era reflecting the events, politics, and general sentiments of the Japanese population during its span.
In 2019, a succession occurred (due to abdication) on the imperial throne, bringing about a new era. The Heisei era (平成) ended, and on May 1, the Reiwa era (令和) began.
What does this have to do with shibari?
Basically, in Japanese texts, rope artists are frequently referred to by the era in which they reached their peak. This allows us to distinguish between artists from the Showa era (1926–1989), Heisei era (1989–2019), and Reiwa era (2019–…).
In this lesson we'll introduce this chronological framework, and in the next lesson we'll explore how it relates to the development of shibari.
Since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Japanese eras associated with their emperors have been:
- Meiji (1868–1912)
- Taisho (1912–1926)
- Showa (1926–1989)
- Heisei (1989–2019)
- Reiwa (2019–present)
Meiji Era (1868–1912)
The Meiji Restoration in 1868 ended 265 years of rule by the Tokugawa Shogunate and restored power to the emperor. Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) spearheaded the modernization and Westernization of Japan, implementing political, economic, and social reforms that transformed the nation into an industrial power.
Seen as a symbol of unity and progress, Emperor Meiji became a central figure in national identity, fostering a sense of pride and patriotism among the Japanese people.
Taishō Era (1912–1926)
After Emperor Meiji's death in 1912, his son Yoshihito ascended the throne as Emperor Taishō. During this era, Japan continued its Westernization, establishing a “democratic” system of government akin to those in the West, while simultaneously embracing militarism, which became evident in a more aggressive foreign policy.
This period was marked by a mixture of optimism driven by economic and industrial achievements, and uncertainty due to the nation's growing nationalism.
During the Taishō era, Japan's adult entertainment industry began to flourish, laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as shibari.
Era Shōwa (1926-1989)
Emperor Taishō's son, Hirohito, ascended the throne as Emperor Shōwa in 1926.
His long reign spanned pivotal events: the Great Depression, World War II (in which Japan was defeated), and the subsequent U.S. occupation and reconstruction of the country.
Initially perceived as a living deity, Hirohito renounced his divine status after the war, becoming a symbol of Japan's transformation—leaving behind old values and traditions to embrace the social and political standards of the developed world.
For shibari, this was the era when it began to reach the wider world. It was introduced first through American military personnel and later through German sex tourists. This period also saw the rise of figures who are now regarded as the “great masters” or historical icons of shibari.
Heisei Era (1989–2019)
After the death of Emperor Shōwa in 1989, his son Akihito became Emperor Heisei. This era was marked by significant economic crises, which had a severe impact on the lower classes in a country with limited social safety nets.
In the later years of the Heisei era, Japan began to experience economic recovery, although this progress was disrupted by restrictive measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the Heisei era, shibari underwent a process of change and evolution, transitioning from being a niche genre of adult entertainment to a broader form of expression for non-normative sexuality.
Reiwa Era (2019-present)
The current emperor, Naruhito, ascended the throne in 2019, ushering in the Reiwa era, meaning “beautiful harmony”. This era represents another period of modernization, possibly Japan's version of globalization.
As with any transition, it comes with challenges. Both the Japanese economy and politics are experiencing a turbulent and uncertain time.
One notable change during this era is the implementation of the new Audiovisual Law, which regulates and restricts the activities of the once-dominant adult entertainment industry. This has significantly reduced the income of rope artists, pushing them to seek markets outside of Japan.
The growing popularity of shibari in this era marks the first time it has become widely recognized as an erotic practice in Japan, rather than merely a performance art.
Globally, shibari has flourished. Numerous dojos, masters, and schools have emerged, some of which have taken shibari to levels and dimensions that Japanese practitioners have yet to explore.