Born and raised in Hong Kong, Naoko is a Shibari artist, performer and educator based in London. She is the founder of Studio Yukari (London, 2022) and Kokoro Studio (Hong Kong, 2015). She is part of Nawa Naka Kai 縄奈加会 and in 2023 was recognised as the third deshi of Naka Akira 奈加あきら sensei.

Around 2011, Naoko was introduced to Shibari as a Shibari model. Deeply fascinated by its aesthetics, eroticism and emotions, she began studying the art of Japanese rope bondage in Japan. Being drawn to the raw expression of vulnerability in semenawa 責め縄, Naoko found her teacher Naka Akira sensei and has been formally studying with him since.

Naoko’s style of semenawa is described to be “feminine and inclusive”. She draws great inspirations from her short encounter with Yukimura Haruki in 2014. Using rope to engage in an empathic conversation forms the heart of her style in Shibari. Having had extensive experience in multiple tying styles, and vast exposure to different rope communities in Asia and in the West, she has developed a unique, adaptive and evolving approach to tying and teaching.

Naoko has taught and performed in over 20 cities, and has had the honour of assisting Naka Sensei at his Nawa-kai, Satsuei-kai and Kenkyuu-kai in Tokyo, alongside his international workshops in San Francisco, Copenhagen and London.

Instagram: naoko_london (formerly nawa_naoko)
X (previously Twitter): nawa_naoko
Website: www.shibari.hk / www.shibari.uk
Email: naoko@studioyukari.com

/!\ You must be used to suspension and be confortable with it to attend the workshop.

For the one tying / rigger:
• You must have good understanding of fundamental techniques and concepts in Shibari / Kinbaku.
• You must be able to tie a solid gote suitable for suspension, preferably in Naka Style.
• You must have basic understanding of safe suspension line management and basic suspensions.
• You must have a good understanding of rope safety.
• You must be open to exploring Naka Style and traditional Japanese concepts

For the one getting tied / model:
• You must feel comfortable being tied and suspended in a gote
• You must have good understanding of safety in Shibari, especially the difference between nerve compression and blood circulation loss
• You must be open to expressing, communicating and exploring vulnerabilities in rope
• You must be open to exploring Naka Style and traditional Japanese concepts

• Jute ropes (at least 10-12 lengths of ropes, 5-6mm in diameter). We also suggest having varying lengths of ropes (some shorter ones are always helpful)
• Safety shears or any other suitable cutting tools
• Notepad and a pen (phones are not recommended for note-taking*)
• Comfortable clothing
• Snacks and drinks
• Aftercare items
• Respect, kindness and an open mind :)

* We request a phone-free environment for the weekend. If note-taking on your phone is a matter of accessibility, please let us know in advance of the weekend.

Naoko prefers NO switching so that students can properly build upon their skills and progress throughout the workshop.

• If you cancel more than 1 month in advance, we will refund your ticket.
• If you cancel later, we will try to resell your ticket. If this is not possible, we will not be able to reimburse you.