Explore Shibari + Photography with NawaKenshin!
Overview
Shibari.PH is happy to welcome back NawaKenshin (aka Sean) with more insight and instruction into the marriage between Shibari & Photography! He will spend a weekend with us in the Philippines from April 9th-12th, 2026.
NawaKenshin’s events are for you if you want to:
→ Hone your shibari fundamentals
→ Watch a live performance
→ Explore kinbaku photography (Natural + Artificial Light)
Join us for a full long-weekend of rope play!
About NawaKenshin
Nawa Kenshin/Sean (@NawaKenshin on IG), embarked on his journey with shibari in 2010, following a period of overseas work as a photographer and videographer specializing in SM and gravure productions. During this time, he was fortunate to receive guidance from the esteemed Chris Thomson, known as Calendar King. However, due to limited access to comprehensive shibari instructions, he temporarily set the practice aside.
In 2019, a significant turning point occurred for him, leading to a renewed passion for shibari. Since then, he has provided over 100 women with captivating and emotionally engaging rope experiences, culminating in the present year, 2023.
His artistic expression has been deeply influenced by the distinctive styles of Yukimura, Yagami, and Osada’s ryu.
In his pursuits, NawaKenshin prioritizes a connection that transcends the physical aspect of the practice. He seeks to create sessions that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also profoundly emotional and meaningful for all involved.
Event Overview
Tension & Rope Handling Thursday 9 April | 2:00–5:00pm
NawaKenshin revisits the fundamentals most riggers skip past — tensions, flow, and finger dexterity.
- Maintaining a good tie (tensions)
- Why the heck my knots keep slipping
- Revisit fundamentals — flow
- Improving finger dexterity (improving those fingering skills… for ropes)
Bring rope.
Participant (join the hands-on exercises): Php3,500 regular (Php2,625 early bird)
Spectator (observer/Q&A only): Php2,100 regular (Php1,575 early bird)
Early bird discount is applied automatically and expires 1 week before the event.
NawaKenshin (Sean, @NawaKenshin) has been in shibari since 2010, shaped by the styles of Yukimura, Yagami, and Osada-ryu. Like many who tie beyond patterns, his work prioritizes connection that goes beyond the physical.
Performance & Rope Jam Friday 10 April | 7:00–11:00pm
NawaKenshin performs at 7:00pm, followed by an open rope jam until 11:00pm. Come to watch, come to tie, come to both.
- Live performance (7:00–8:00pm)
- Open rope jam (8:00–11:00pm)
Performance only: Php2,500 regular (Php1,875 early bird)
Performance + Rope Jam: Php3,000 regular (Php2,250 early bird)
Early bird discount is applied automatically and expires 1 week before the event.
NawaKenshin (Sean, @NawaKenshin) has been providing emotionally engaging rope experiences since 2019, influenced by the styles of Yukimura, Yagami, and Osada-ryu.
Rope Photography: Natural Light Saturday 11 April | 10:00am–6:00pm
A full day on natural light — how it moves, where to look for it, and how to use a modern camera to work with what’s already there.
- Understanding light and how light moves
- What is three-point lighting in a natural light setup
- Looking for light, using a modern camera
- Outdoor natural lighting — looking for contrast
- Indoor natural lighting — looking for direction
- Compensating / enhancing a natural-lighted scene
- Practicals
Bring a camera with manual function — handphone or DSLR.
Participant (join the hands-on exercises): Php3,700 regular (Php2,775 early bird)
Spectator (observer/Q&A only): Php2,100 regular (Php1,575 early bird)
Early bird discount is applied automatically and expires 1 week before the event.
NawaKenshin (Sean, @NawaKenshin) came to shibari through years of professional work as a photographer and videographer in SM and gravure productions. That foundation—understanding how a scene reads on camera before rope is even in hand—is what this day is built on.
Rope Photography: Artificial Light Sunday 12 April | 10:00am–5:00pm
The second day moves into continuous artificial light — what LED light is, how to colour it, and how to use it to build mood, story, and scene.
- What is LED light
- Colouring light for your photo
- Challenging the three-point lighting convention
- Mood
- Art of story
- Scene recreation
Bring a camera with manual function — handphone or DSLR. Full continuous lighting kit provided on-site.
Participant (join the hands-on exercises): Php3,700 regular (Php2,775 early bird)
Spectator (observer/Q&A only): Php2,100 regular (Php1,575 early bird)
Early bird discount is applied automatically and expires 1 week before the event.
NawaKenshin (Sean, @NawaKenshin) spent years as a photographer and videographer in SM and gravure productions before pursuing intensive study in Japan in 2023. Sunday’s class sits at the intersection of both—how light and rope work together to carry what the bottom felt captured into a shot.
Private Sessions — Tying, Training, or Photo Thursday 9 April | 6:00pm–midnight Friday 10 April | 10:00am–4:30pm 2 hours per slot | Php5,500
One-on-one time with NawaKenshin. Whether you want to work on technique, deepen your practice, or shoot — you set the agenda. Sessions run back to back across Thursday evening and Friday daytime; slots are limited and available by appointment only.
- Private tying
- Private training
- Private photo shoot
Book early. Slots fill in order of request.
DM [email protected] to reserve your slots
NawaKenshin (Sean, @NawaKenshin) has been in shibari since 2010, shaped by the styles of Yukimura, Yagami, and Osada-ryu. Like many who tie beyond patterns, his work prioritizes connection that goes beyond the physical.
Event FAQs
By default, all our events will be held at our private rope studio in Makati, near Ayala Malls-Circuit.
If the demand exceeds our capacity for a given event, we’ll explore hosting multiple events or renting out bigger spaces that can accommodate all the participants.
Yes, a partner is necessary in order to participate during the workshop and maximize your experience. Please note: Each event ticket is only valid for one person. You must purchase two (2) tickets or your partner must purchase their own.
Join our private social network and post in our Looking for Partners group to find people who may be interested in attending with you!
A limited number of house ropes (hand-treated jute) are available at the studio for borrowing but cannot be used for mouth- nor crotch-based bondage.
You may purchase ropes at the venue (if available).
The exact quantity depends on the class but 4-6 ropes is generally enough for floor-based play while 10-12 ropes is enough for suspension related sessions.
Kindly email [email protected] if you’d like to secure an order in advance.
For Spectators, there are no prerequisite skills or experience. You may observe freely.
For Participants, the following events have no requirements:
Complete newbies are welcome and no prior experience is needed.
Regarding photography, these are the requirements:
- DSLR or handphones are welcome
- If DSLR, need to know more than just using Auto mode
- If handphone, mobile phone, etc. you’re all set
- Continuous lighting will be provided (but be warned, after the class, you might be tempted to purchase your own lights)
Materials needed:
- Camera – handphone with manual function / DSLR. No iPhones unless you can use the manual function
- Ropes for the shibari classes
- Minimum 1m x 1m board (styrofoam or cardboard) with 1 side white, 1 side black, can spray paint black if needed
Lights Provided:
- 1 x Amaran Ray 120c with mini Octabox
- 1 x Amaran 60c with softbox and grid
- 2x Amaran PT2C
- 2 x Amaran Ace 25
- 1 x Amaran 300C
- Various clams and light stands
Contact [email protected] directly if you have questions or need support.
People generally wear solid black colored clothes for visual and comfort reasons (yoga or sports attire, bodysuits, etc.) but we don’t impose strict dress codes.
However: Please make sure your attire is street-legal and vanilla when arriving at and exiting the venue. You may only change into your preferred workshop/kink attire after you have entered the venue. We have a bathroom where you may change in private.
Comfortable, non-baggy clothes are recommended to avoid snagging on the ropes. Bras with underwires are discouraged due to the risk of accidental piercing/stabbing during bondage.
There are no parking spaces available nor allowed at the venue.
The nearest secure parking option would be at Ayala Malls Circuit, which is a ten minute walk away.
You are advised to take a tricycle from there or book a car via a ridesharing app for your convenience.
Please refrain from imbibing alcohol or other intoxicating substances that affect your judgment and motor function before and during events and appointments.
This is for your safety and that of the other participants!
If permitted by the instructor or facilitator, taking photos is okay but please make sure nobody else is captured in the shot.
If you have more questions, kindly email [email protected]
