Also known as Rope Bondage, Kinbaku, Shibari or Fesselspiele [german bondage]. This type of bondage involves rope as the main restraining element used to restrict movement, wrap the body, suspend, or restrain. Includes decorative rope, western bondage rope, fusion rope, chaos rope. Japanese bondage is the most publicly visible style of rope bondage perhaps for it's artistic approch. An alternative style, "western bondage", is about achieving restraint; while the Japanese style is more concerned with the artistry of the process.

Rope play can be a VERY overwhelming type of play. Even if bondage it’s considered to be “beginner friendly” for some people, rope bondage it’s not easy in any way or shape. From choosing the proper ropes [material, diameter, length, etc]; learning the techniques and names of the different knots and and terminology [single column, a double-column, a box knot, a double coin, etc]; to acquiring the skill of applying the just correct amount of tension [loose sections don’t quite sit right, making the rope look wonky and messy; while unnecessary pressure on certain parts of the body can provoke physical damage to the bottom]; to caring for the rope [natural fiber ropes -like jute & hemp- can be waxed or oiled regularly to keep them soft and supple. This will also ensure it keeps its longevity. Nylon ropes avoid having to do this, but still needs to be checked regularly for frays, snags, and portions that have become un-wound].

In a rope dynamic both -Top & bottom- are responsible for the safety protocols. The bottom has to stretch to decrease their chance of injury [compressed nerves, cramping muscles, etc] to keep hydrated for preventing skin damage. The Top should prevent hard unnatural awkward positions for long periods of time, the placing of the rope [NOT neck. armpits, groin, etc]

Rope play can involve other types of play like: Impact Play, Power Exchange, Pet Play, S/m or Sensory Play.

Education and learning the basic principles of rope bondage and shibari are absolutely critical. Sites like The Duchy do a great job at it.