Nawa Kai with Akira Naka

“Nawa Kai" translates to "rope meeting”, a tradition in Naka Style. It is a space for sharing stories and experiences about Kinbaku—its history, philosophy, culture, and aesthetics.

Naoko, Akira Naka’s third deshi, will tie Iroha Shizuki in an improvised session within the intimate Nawa Kai atmosphere, before Akira Naka takes to the tatami to tie CandyDandelion. He will then demonstrate how his model evolves while being tied in the semenawa style and share his perspective on Kinbaku.

The Nawa Kai will be conducted in Japanese with English interpretation by Nuit de Tokyo, providing a unique opportunity to ask Akira Naka questions directly. Nuit de Tokyo will be guiding the eventual discussion, taking into account Naka-sensei’s rich history, how he started rope and some of his milestones.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 9/05

• 18:30 | Doors open - welcome, settle in

• 19:00 | Doors close - Nawa Kai begins

  • Naoko & Iroha Shizuki

  • Akira Naka & CandyDandelion

• 23:00 | End of the evening

Full schedule of Akira Naka and Iroha Shizuki’s visit to Studio TIEY

• Fri, 9/05 | Nawa Kai

• Sat-Sun, 10-11/05 | Weekend workshop

• Mon, 12/05 | Introduction to Naka style workshop

PRACTICALS

• Info about parking, bikes & public transport

• Info about traveling by plane

• Accommodation advice

We are here to assist you: Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

ABOUT Akira NAKA

Born in 1959, Akira Naka became aware of the world of Japanese bondage at the age of 30, when he discovered a study class (commonly known as ‘Kinbiken’) of top master Chimuo Nureki. From the very first moment of watching the bondage master at work, he found himself drawn in deeper and deeper by the fascinating sensuality until he had an epiphany – ‘This is what I want to dedicate my life to.’

He enrolled immediately. Ever since that fateful day, Naka has been dedicating himself to follow the path of master Nureki. He’s committed himself to the precision and accuracy of this formal, tightly knit hanging style of bondage. Additionally, Naka has been creating his own unique offshoot, entitled ‘Naka-Ryu’ style, which is intended to break new ground in the bonding of beauty and torture. For this reason, he calls it ‘Aesthetic Torture Bondage’ (MURU-ZOU). In March of 2008, he founded the ‘MURU-ZOU Group – Akira Naka Bondage Association’, which has been continually challenging, deepening, and evolving the possibilities of bondage through it’s engaging live shows. Naka often works in film, collaborating with famed director Tojiro of Dogma Label and the legendary Cinemagic Film Company. Artistically, he works on the ‘Nawa-Etsu’ series with the ’MURU-ZOU’ group while in the world of photography he works with famed bondage photographer Norio Sugiura.

Starting in 2013, Naka has expanded across the world, performing live and offering workshops in the USA, Russia, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and more. It’s now becoming apparent that the bondage of Naka Akira and his ’Naka Style’ is spreading and influencing bondage masters across the globe.

ABOUT IROHA SHIZUKI

Born in 1981, Iroha Shizuki developed an interest in kinbaku at the age of 29 after landing a role in a kinbaku AV production and learning about the existence of kinbaku. Before that, she had never even heard the word kinbaku.

In 2011, she contacted Naka-san, and they soon met. Iroha was tied for the first time by Naka-san at his Nawa-Naka-Kai, marking the beginning of her Kinbaku modeling career. Initially, she thought this might be the world she wished to be part of, but after a photo shoot with Norio Sugiura-san soon after, her feelings solidified into a certainty: “This is the world I want to be part of!” She then decided to make a living by working in the Kinbaku world.

Iroha has immense trust in Naka and gives herself to him with unconditional devotion. She endures Naka-san’s ties in an extraordinary way and is always willing to express what that means to her in an open and vulnerable manner that commands great respect. She is a great believer in clear and open communication. Naka and Iroha have been inseparable since 2011 and continue to create beautiful moments together to this day.

ABOUT NAOKO

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.

ABOUT CandyDandelion

CandyDandelion (alter ego Alice in Nawaland on Instagram) was introduced to the art of shibari in 2018 and quickly became enamored with Al-Walthery's skillful sadistic ties. Their partnership has continued to this day, with CandyDandelion teaching alongside Al-Walthery in Liège and Brussels.

She has been featured on stage by renowned riggers including Yoi Yoshida, Marc Akuaku, and Tati Limati and performing together with Al-Walthery at Onawa Asobi festival in Shibari Lounge in 2024. 

In 2023, she joins Studio TIEY. She becomes the teaching model for Michael Ropeknight, known for his empathetic, intuitive, and unique approach, and performs with Yagami Ren, who explores the duality between pleasure and pain. She also headlines with Naka sensei in his 2025 Nawa Kai at the studio.

She is highly sought after as a model for both photography and public performances, known for her pure and expressive emotions that she exudes during the intense connections she creates as an ukete. She is open to exploring various contexts, such as nature, underwater settings, abandoned places, workshops, and public sessions.

Booking

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