Given its Japanese roots, the first step is to understand the historical, social, and cultural context in which shibari originated.
In the article "What Is Shibari?", we delve into the definition of shibari. To avoid redundancy, we encourage you to refer to that text for further details.
Island Mentality
Let us start with the fact that Japan is an island, which has significant implications for its access to resources and its "penny-pitcher" mindset.
Historically, Japan has been densely populated and has faced shortages of certain natural resources.
This reality has undoubtedly shaped the Japanese character. Like many islanders, they tend to be thrifty and frugal in their use of natural assets.
This has resulted in an extraordinary focus on efficiency — getting the maximum result with the minimum effort.
Natural Resources
Japan is not only an island, but also one that is scarce in some natural resources and abundant in others.
Although the country has deposits of metallic minerals such as iron, the difficult terrain has made mining difficult. As a result, this vital metal has historically been a scarce commodity on the island.
On the other hand, Japan’s diverse climates support the cultivation of valuable plant species, such as bamboo and rice.
Stratified Society
Japan is an ethnically homogeneous country, with approximately 95% of the population belonging to the Yamato ethnicity. The remainder of the population consists of marginalized groups that reside primarily on the northern and southern islands.
However, Japan has historically been a nation with a highly stratified social structure, and even in modern times, this class consciousness remains a notable feature of its society.
It may be difficult for Westerners to grasp the extent of this social stratification. In the West, we tend to associate class divisions with terms like “working class” or “middle class,” and even when we think of medieval history, we think of distinctions between “serfs” and “nobles.
In Japan, however, these divisions were much sharper. In the 16th century, for example, a farmer was considered the property of his lord-a possession that was not particularly valuable, interchangeable, and to some extent expendable.
A War-like People
Whether due to resource scarcity, overpopulation, or political nationalism with its attendant complexities and traumas, Japan has historically been a warlike nation.
When not engaged in conflict with neighboring countries, internal wars between clans or territories have been commonplace.
However, it is important not to romanticize these historical events as heroic or picturesque moments, like television series often portray them.
Calming Religions
In every culture and historical period, the influence of religion on society is undeniable, and Japan is no exception.
Its native religion, Shinto, is rooted in respect for nature and ancestor worship.
A polytheistic belief system, Shinto holds that every natural phenomenon may embody a deity.
One of its distinguishing features is its ritualism. It is a religion full of symbolism, with highly theatrical rituals and elaborate ceremonies.
At various points in history, Shinto served as the state religion, in contrast to foreign faiths.
Buddhism, introduced to Japan in the 5th century, both shaped and adapted to Japanese culture and history. In particular, it contributed to the development of spirituality beyond Shinto.
Although Taoism has not been a dominant tradition in Japan, it has had a significant influence, particularly in areas such as medicine, aesthetics, art, and philosophical thought.
Christianity — especially Catholicism — was heavily persecuted in Japan until the late 19th century, so its historical influence has been minimal.
Since the forced opening of the country to foreigners, Protestantism has become the most widespread form of Christianity in the archipelago. However, it remains a very small faith overall.
Erectile Dysfunction
It's a fact: Historically, Japanese men have experienced significantly higher rates of erectile dysfunction — two to three times higher than the rest of the world.
Recent scientific studies suggest this phenomenon may be linked to a biological condition related to their physical build, specifically their respiratory cylinder.
This physiological phenomenon, combined with Taoist theories about male ejaculation, may help explain the wide variety of erotic practices that have developed in modern Japan.