Bakushi (2007 Film)

Bakushi (Japanese: 縛師) is a 2007 Japanese documentary film directed by Ryuichi Hiroki. The film explores the subject of Japanese sadomasochistic rope bondage, commonly known as kinbaku, focusing on rope masters and their models.

Poster for the 2007 documentary film Bakushi showing a promotional graphic. — Poster for the 2007 documentary film Bakushi.

Production and Release

Directed by Ryuichi Hiroki, Bakushi has a runtime of 94 minutes and is spoken in Japanese. The film premiered internationally in February 2007 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam before receiving a theatrical release in Japan on May 31, 2008.

Subject Matter and Style

The documentary examines the ceremonial and artistic aspects of erotic rope binding in Japan. Director Ryuichi Hiroki presents the practices of rope masters, documenting sessions performed for the production. The film highlights the detailed techniques involved in kinbaku, comparing its ceremonial precision to traditional Japanese arts.

Still from the documentary Bakushi depicting a rope-binding session. — A scene from the documentary Bakushi.

Cast and Participants

The documentary features rope masters and models appearing as themselves:

Chimuo Nureki
Haruki Yukimura
Go Arisue
Hiromi Saotome
Sumire
Taeko Uzuki