Onawa Asobi, Europe

RopeMarks, Bob Roos, is a kinbaku professional from Amsterdam, who has been tying professionally for the past 25 years. He started studying and specializing himself professionally in Japanese rope bondage (shibari, kinbaku) in 1999. Over his career he studied in the land of the rising sun under the lineage of the late Akechi Denki (明智伝鬼) and Naka Akira (奈加あきら). RopeMarks’ work reflects the traditional techniques taught by these leading kinbakushi, but is vastly complemented with his own creative twists and distinct style. He is most well known for his energetic and high-speed performances, which you might see reflected tonight. He has done performances and workshops all over the world, including in Japan.

The Shady Lady has regularly been on the receiving end of RopeMarks’ kinbaku for the past three years. They have been tying together for performances and workshops in Amsterdam and throughout Europe, but they mostly tie together for fun (because they actually enjoy each other’s company in- and outside of rope.) She also writes reflections on kinbaku from the model’s perspective on the RopeMarks website. She likes her kinbaku to be playful, romantic, genuine, fun and not overly complicated. If all of that takes place through a Japanese aesthetics lens, with a mean and fun twist every now and then, she is a very happy lady.