Historically, print publications — especially magazines — have been a defining element of shibari and kinbaku culture.
For decades, they were the main way to share techniques, imagery, and storytelling about this art form.
Over time, the rise of video and, above all, the internet in its many forms gradually pushed physical media to the sidelines.
This shift was largely shaped by the interests and strategies of the adult content industry — the niche where “professional” shibari traditionally took form.
Today, however, print magazines have reinvented themselves with a distinctly artistic and cultural focus.
They now emphasize aesthetic expression, thoughtful essays, and historical documentation — particularly in the West, where kinbaku has become a space for intercultural dialogue and personal exploration.
The Kinbaku Society of Berlin (KSB) Magazine
As described on their website:
*“We focus on researching the cultural roots of Japanese bondage, the movements that influenced it, and the people who shaped it into what it is today.
The Kinbaku Society of Berlin magazine is published twice a year and offers a bold, uncensored mix of visual inspiration and in-depth research.
It explores both traditional and contemporary Japanese underground culture — especially rope bondage, adult entertainment, and aesthetics — and how these forms are perceived in the West.”*
The Kinbaku Society of Berlin emerged from a meeting point of curiosity, rigorous study, and a deep desire for cultural understanding.
What began as a small online forum run by a handful of enthusiasts quickly evolved into a unique editorial project dedicated to erotic kinbaku.
Since its launch in 2019, KSB has explored Japanese notions of beauty — both traditional and modern — placing them in dialogue with the European cultural context, without losing their essence or falling into cultural appropriation.
The result is a print magazine that brings together poetry, fiction, essays, historical research, illustration, photography, drawing, and interviews.
Its scope extends into subcultures on the fringes of normative society, providing a platform for authentic and deviant (hentai) forms of expression that challenge conventions and deserve to be seen.
As a non-profit initiative driven purely by passion, KSB not only captivates its readers but also serves as a creative outlet for its contributors.
It started with an initial run of just 100 copies and has grown organically to print editions of 350–500, giving it an exclusive, collectible feel.
With no formal memberships or rigid structures, the project thrives on voluntary participation and has drawn a steady community of European enthusiasts — even through challenging times such as the pandemic.
Each issue revolves around a central theme inviting deep reflection: from meditations on death and dying, to the tension between drama and humor, or the coexistence of multiple ambiguous interpretations.
With around 96 pages per issue, high-quality printing, stitched binding, and content curated with exceptional care for relevance, depth, and presentation, KSB Magazine has become an essential reference for anyone who appreciates the sublime beauty and profound eroticism of Japanese rope art.
For about €22.50 (based on recent editions), you’re not simply buying information — you’re stepping into a sensory experience that speaks directly to your own practice, ties, and curiosities within the world of kinbaku.