In the intricate world of shibari and kinbaku, where ropes weave stories of connection and trust, there are people who not only shape our practice but also enrich our lives. One such person for me is my friend Harukumo, the esteemed owner of the beautiful Harukumo-Juku in Switzerland, whose influence has been a guiding light in my journey with shibari, Yukimura-Ryû and beyond.
Harukumo’s passion for shibari is infectious. His deep understanding of Yukimura-Ryû—a style that emphasizes emotional connection, subtlety, and the delicate interplay of energy between rigger and model—has profoundly inspired me. Through countless conversations, he has shared insights into the philosophy and techniques of Yukimura Haruki as a certified Yukimura-Ryû instructor, revealing the beauty of creating intimate, fleeting moments through rope. His approach, rooted in authenticity and emotional depth, has motivated me to explore shibari and kinbaku not just as a physical practice but as a way to connect on a deeper human level. Watching him tie, or hearing him speak about the nuances of tension and intention, always reignites my own curiosity and dedication to this art.
Beyond his expertise, what I cherish most is Harukumo’s unwavering support over the years. He has been a constant source of encouragement, always ready with a kind word or thoughtful advice when I’ve faced challenges, whether in my practice or in life. His belief in me has pushed me to refine my skills, to trust my instincts, and to embrace the vulnerabilities that practicing ropes demands. This kind of friendship—one that uplifts and inspires—is rare and precious thing.
Some of my favorite moments with Harukumo happen when he visits me in Helsinki. His trips to my home are always a highlight, filled with warmth, laughter, and the clink of glasses filled with rum and occasional cigar. Over these visits, we dive into long, philosophical conversations that stretch late into the night. We talk about everything—from the aesthetics of rope to the nature of trust, connection, and the human experience (and some really crazy stuff once we get drunk enough). These discussions, often fueled by a good bottle of rum, are a reminder of how shibari transcends the physical, touching on universal truths about intimacy and presence.
Harukumo’s visits are more than just shared drinks and deep talks; they’re a celebration of our shared passion and mutual respect. His presence brings a sense of joy and grounding, and I always look forward to the next time he steps through my door, ready to weave more memories together.
To Harukumo, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your inspiration, for sharing with me the profound beauty of Yukimura-Ryû, and for your steadfast support. Thank you for the laughter, the rum, the cigars, and the conversations that remind me why I fell in love with ropes in the first place. Here’s to many more visits, more ropes, more bottles of rum 😂, and more moments that tie us together as friends and kindred spirits in this beautiful art.
Harukumo is coming to Helsinki to teach at the workshop November 8th to 9th, 2025. Check out Shibari Ropeplay for more info and registration.
