Sensuality in Kinbaku: Exploring the Intimate Art of Semenawa
Notes from a recent conversation with a student and friend on sensuality in rope. Question: How can you make rope more sensual for the...
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Milla Reika ミラ嶺花
News
ABOUT SENKAKU
Senkaku was founded in 2013 by Milla Reika, one of Osaka’s leading international practitioners in the art of Japanese bondage, as a semi private space for open-minded kinbaku and BDSM enthusiasts. During 10 years of running, Senkaku was an intimate “home” to numerous kinbaku and fetish related events, workshops, and parties which brought together Japanese locals and overseas travelers of all sexual orientations, gender (or non-gender) identifications, and personalities.
While Senkaku sadly closed its doors in July 2023, Milla is continuing to share kinbaku, as she knows it, through more intimate semi-private kinbaku focused afternoons, private lessons, and one-on-one sessions, with the hope of re-opening again in a new location in the future.
"While the decision to close Senkaku Studio was not an easy one, I believe that "Senkaku" is not about the location but about the "spirit" of the people that have come together to make Senkaku what it is. Our events are currently limited, but if you are interested please reach out about private lessons or sessions.”
-Milla Reika
MILLA REIKA
Residing in Osaka Japan since 2009, Milla’s discovery and pursuits in kinbaku have been synchronous with her immersed study of Japanese culture, language, and sentiments.
Her rope style exhibits a blend of ‘feminine’ and ‘masculine’ elements; possessing power and assertiveness coupled with subtleness, intent, and attentiveness. Each and every rope and movement serves a purpose and intently binds the body within an interplay of control and surrender which unfolds between her and her partner.
"My kinbaku journey began as an erotic act of inquiry and exploration into desires, sexuality, the other, and oneself. While having earned a reputation for stage performances with theatrical narratives and dynamic suspensions, in recent years, I have taken my kinbaku back into the private sphere; where it belongs. My kinbaku focuses, not on the aesthetic forms or patterns, but on ‘seme’ and rope as a tool to draw out inherent “beauty” and sensational experiences for my partner, who I bind. Each person is completely unique in their physical makeup, energy, desires, and relationships. And each day or moment, this will change.
"KIZUNA" (Kinbaku Sessions)
Kizuna in Japanese refers to tight bonds between people, and the relationships that we share and deepen together.
Our “kizuna” kinbaku sessions are a semi-private intimate affair aimed predominantly at couples/partners wishing to engage in and explore kinbaku in a quiet, relaxed and intimate setting; curious first timers or solo travelers seeking to gain a glimpse into the world of kinbaku; or those wanting to experience being bound.
Note, that this is not that a social-focused event or workshop evening, and while we encourage discussion or exchange, try to maintain a safe and quiet environment that allows attendees to delve into and experience of kinbaku, without too much distraction. While it varies month to month, we generally have a about 4~8 people in attendance.
Attendance:
While we try to include everyone, please understand that Milla can only accommodate a select number of people wishing to be bound or seeking advice/tuition. If you are seeking either of the above, please email ahead of time and let Milla know so that she can endeavor to allocate time. If you are traveling alone, please bear in mind that attendee numbers are small and due to the nature of kinbaku, as practice that requires communication and trust, we may not be able to match you up with a model or partner to practice with. That said, observation can be a great introduction and tool for learning or deepening one's knowledge, so we encourage you to join.
For those seeking concentrated tuition, or a focused experience being bound please contact Milla about private lessons or sessions.
*Please read the FAQ section for details before attending.
*Kizuna is not a social party/event or workshop evening. While Milla endeavors to offer light instruction and/or experiences being bound, this will be dependent on available time and the number of attendees. Reservation required.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Please inquire directly.
Kinbaku
Private Lessons
PRIVATE LESSONS
For a deeper exploration or one-on-one learning in Japanese kinbaku and the concepts. Private lessons allow for concentrated and tailored learning based on your motivations, and past experiences. Kinbaku is very individual, not only in motivations but also in application and use binding styles for differing physiques.
Private lesson are generally 2 to 2.5 hours.
Fees: From 20,000yen (including use of studio and ropes)
(If you are traveling alone and do not have a partner to practice, please notify Milla.)
For those wishing to experience being bound, Milla also offers private sessions (experiences being bound). Kinbaku has many safety concerns and it can be quite daunting for someone who is just starting out or has little experience being bound. Kinbaku sessions aim to offer a safe environment to explore and "taste" what it feels like to be bound. (*This is not a pro-domme session or adult-service).
Milla is generally available on weekends or during the evening on weekdays.
Please email with desired dates and times, if you are interested.
Past Theatre Productions and Kinbaku Videos by Milla Reika.
Milla's previous theatre productions centered on fusing the elements of kinbaku with other art genres to form a theatrical narrative which explores and expresses the depths and the multiple and sometimes contradicting facets human emotions, desires and relationships. The pain that comes with love and pleasure and the pleasure that may be borne from pain and endurance. The sense of liberation that comes from surrendering oneself; and the compassion and sense of surrender that can be felt subjectively through dominating another.
(Note that Milla Reika no longer practices kinbaku for performance. Please refrain from sending inquiries or requests to attend/view kinbaku performances)
Artistic Restraint – Milla Reika
Blog
BLOG & INTERVIEWS
FAQ
FAQ
NEW TO THE SCENE ?
We understand that it’s easy to feel nervous as a first-timer and will do our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible during our events. Please read the following points for some insight into what to expect.
I am interested in attending. How should I go about it?
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We don't offer online bookings or reservations. As a semi-private affair we like to get to know you a little bit first before accepting a reservation request. Please send Milla Reika a direct email, with a short self-introduction and some details about when you would like to attend. Any added information such as previous experience in kinbaku etc. is appreciated.
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While we are not operating for profit, we do ask for a participation fee in order to cover rent and general operating costs. Payment is cash only, on the day.
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For private sessions or lessons, Milla Reika will send you the details via email. Please note that she does ask for a deposit in advance for private bookings via Paypal.
What should I wear? Is there a dress-code?
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There are no dress code requirements. The setting is a private Japanese style apartment room and you are therefore welcome to wear whatever you like, or nothing at all! Please note that it is floor seating on the tatami mats, so we urge you to wear something comfortable.
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For kinbaku related events 'rope friendly' is generally a good idea. If you can imagine being tied during the evening, make sure you have something you feel comfortable in (stretchy, tight-fitting clothes, underwear, bare skin, …) that will allow you to full enjoy the experience, and doesn't mind a little jute fuzz.
I would like to learn kinbaku. Do I need a partner?
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Yes you will need a partner/model to learn kinbaku. During our "Kizuna" kinbaku sessions, held monthly, there is room for learning. However we do require that you attend with partner or someone who you can practice with, if you wish to learn. We have a small number of attendees and given the nature of kinbaku, as a practice that requires communication and trust, it is often difficult to match/team you up with another attendee.
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If you are seeking more concentrated tuition, then a private lesson may be more beneficial and time efficient to your learning. Private lesson are generally 2 hours of lesson time plus an added 30 for discussion. (2.5 hours total) and costs between 15,000~25,000 JPY depending on your level, content, and whether you have a model.
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For private lessons, Milla can organize for someone to model given advance notice.
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I would like to experience kinbaku (being bound). How can I arrange this?
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There may be opportunity to experience being bound at our "Kizuna" kinbaku session (afternoons) , held once to twice monthly. However, as Milla can only accommodate a select number of people, due to time constraints, it's best that you email well ahead of time.
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The other option is to contact Milla Reika and organize a time for a private session (approx. .20,000~25,000yen, including use of the studio)
Do I have to participate , or can I just observe?
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Participation in all kinbaku and BDSM-related activities is strictly voluntary. You will not be pressured to do anything you don’t wish to do. If you’d just like to watch participants play while having a chat with other observers, that’s completely fine. However, we do ask that to keep talk volume to a minimum so that the people tying can focus on the moment.
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If you do choose to participate, Milla will ensure that no photography will be taken of you without your permission. We are well aware of how important privacy is in the world of BDSM.
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Additionally, you will not be touched without your permission. Guests may not engage in play with others unless explicit consent is given. Milla Reika will not involve other people in activities with guests who have consented to participate solely with her. Anyone who feels that their boundaries are not being respected should immediately inform Milla Reika or another staff member.
What kinds of people usually attend, and do I need to speak Japanese?
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We have many people from overseas coming to visit so often there is a mix of English and Japanese speakers. Although, this is vary. Our members are male and female, young and old, queer and straight, thin and round, international and Japanese, and anything and everything in between! All guests are welcome as long as they follow our policies and behave in a safe and respectful manner. If this type of environment appeals to you, chances are you’ll fit right in.
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It is not necessary to speak Japanese in order to enjoy yourself. Milla Reika is bilingual in English and Japanese and can address any questions or concerns that you may have.
Can I attend alone?
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Certainly. We have many people who come along solo. Milla endeavors to create a space where everyone is welcomed and included.
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For Kinbaku evenings : We advise that those who are wishing to learn rope to come along with a practice partner. If you do not have a partner to come with then you are welcome to come along alone, but please be aware that participation may be observation based.
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If you are attending alone, and would like to experience being tied by Milla, please email ahead of time and let Milla know so that she can endeavor to allocate enough time. Please understand, that this may not always be possible.
Is there anything else I should know before attending?
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The safety and comfort of all participants are of the utmost importance. Milla reserve the right to intervene in a kinbai scene or refuse to allow a scene to take place if participants are overly intoxicated or behaving in a potentially dangerous manner.
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Finally, while we endeavor to ensure the safety of all participants by attending you agree and understand that participation in any activity is at your own risk and will not hold Senkaku or Milla Reika liable for any any injury or damage to yourself or your property.
Have a question, but don’t see the answer here? Feel free to contact Milla Reika directly.
For more general information on the SM/Rope scene in Osaka please click here.
We hope to welcome you at our next event.
ーSenkaku Salon
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