Akira Naka: Kinbaku Master Naka Akira and the bound Women

This book portrays the life and work of the Japanese kinbaku master Naka Akira, combining documentary writing with photography. Written by Hanabusa Kannon, winner of the Dan Oniroku Prize, it traces Naka’s path within the world of traditional Japanese rope bondage and the intense dedication required of both the practitioner and the women who collaborate with him.

Through text and numerous photographs, the publication explores the atmosphere of kinbaku performances, the trust and endurance involved, and the aesthetic principles behind the practice. Alongside the personal story of Naka Akira, the book also touches on the historical development of traditional Japanese kinbaku, situating his work within a broader cultural lineage. The result is both a portrait of a controversial artist and a glimpse into the traditions and visual culture surrounding Japanese rope bondage.

The obi is a photo of the performance with Shizuki Iroha in Turin in 2017.