In this episode, I speak with Kazami Sensei, one of Japan’s most respected figures in shibari and the founder of Kazami-ryu. Over a career spanning more than thirty years, he has performed and taught extensively throughout Japan and internationally, with certified schools now operating in Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong.

In our conversation, Kazami Sensei reflects on his early years of self-teaching, drawing inspiration from the late master Randa Mai, and how his own style gradually developed into what is now known as Kazami-ryu. He shares how shibari has evolved over the decades, what continues to drive his innovation, and the philosophy that keeps his practice alive after thousands of performances.

We talked about:

• How he creates such emotionally alive performances without rehearsing
• What he’s really focused on while performing (it’s not just technique)
• The evolution of shibari across three decades — from VHS tapes to global schools
• The story behind his signature L-locks and how Kazami-ryu developed
• Why his ties are always changing and improving
• How riggers can bring out their model’s beauty through awareness and intention
• And yes, the unforgettable story of the time a rope actually caught fire mid-performance 🔥

Mentioned in this episode:

Photos of his performance at the Cabaret can be found on instagram. Follow @evilgirls.hq, @miss_gen_does_rope or @das_puppy. 

Follow:

You can also follow Kazami Sensei @kazamiranki_shibari

Learn more:

If you’re interested in learning Kazami-ryu, visit kazami-ryu.com for links to schools across the world. 

If you're based in Australia or New Zealand, you can study Kazami-ryu through Miss Gen. Visit evilgirlshq.com.au

xx Harley 🐰

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