Thomas Harukumo & Momoko – Announcing presenters

Harukumo encountered shibari for the first time in late 2005 in Tokyo, when he met Osada Steve. He had a long history of attraction with Shibari and bondage before that, and during that period in Japan he realized that it was something he wanted in his life. He is mostly influenced by three styles, Osada-Ryû, Yukimura-Ryû and Yagami-Ryû. His focal point is the shared experience with his partner in an erotic, sensual and sexual way. He enjoys the subtle play with body and mind and exploring intense feelings and experiences. His teaching focuses on the quality of the experience and the emotional and sensual exchange between him and his partner.

Momoko had her first encounter with Shibari back in 2017 and it resonated within her from the start. Over time she went on a journey discovering the emotional depth it provides. When she met Harukumo in 2022, the moment they had their first Shibari encounter was a watershed. It all fell into place, and it became the basis for an increasingly intimate and close connection. In 2024, she received her name from him as an expression of their DS-relationship. In the same year, she started to also be a model for Shibari workshops and performances with him.

Besides getting tied, she occasionally ties herself and integrates her experience as Ukete into her tying side. She likes the wide range of feelings that tying can evoke. She has learned and still keeps learning a lot about herself and others on this journey.

Find out more about them at FetLife @Harukumo and @Momoko_.

Workshops

Space, Position, Movement, Body Handling

(Workshop level: L1-3)

Content: This workshop aims to deepen understanding of how we can use movement and space in shibari. We are training how to move ourselves and our partner safely, gently and effortlessly as we use the space available to us to impact the scene we create.

First Part: The concepts of “physical” and “emotional” space are introduced, and we experiment with different positions and distances and assess how position, distance and body posture make us feel.

Second Part: We will learn what a purposeful movement is in and how to move with purpose as we are tying our partner. We will also move our partner, tied and untied, und explore the physiological and biomechanical possibilities of body motion.

Goal: The goal of this workshop is to consciously focus on space, positions, movement and body handling and to find at least one element that is new to us.

Patience. Passion. Indulgence

(Workshop level: L1-3)

Content: In this workshop, we will focus on slow, deliberate observation of our own and our partner’s emotions. We will explore how to enjoy the moment, be within that special situation, and prolong or endure the passion and desire that might build.

First Part: Establishing communication with our partner through nonverbal communication and observation. What happens within us? How do we signal and communicate in nonverbal ways?

Second Part: Amplifing and communicating our inner world to our partner by focusing on physical expression and observation of our partner’s responses.

Goal: stablishing a subtle level of communication between us and our partner. We want to establish an intimate communication that is not rushed, but focused and intense.

Rhythm and Flow

(Workshop level: L2-3)

Content: This workshop focuses on rhythm and flow. We will experiment with changes in speed, emphasis and flow, including breaks and interruptions into the tying process.

First Part: Slow and gentle, continuous flow.Stay steady and consistent.

Second Part: More dynamic and less continuous. Take breaks, change distances, speed and tension.

Goal: Experiencing the effect of different rhythms and flow. How does it feel different, when the rhythm is continuous and steady, and how does the feeling change when the rhythm changes?

Kotobazeme

(Workshop level: L2-3)

Content: The old, probably Aramaic saying “Abracadabra” means “I create as I speak”. We can use words in shibari to create experiences and whole worlds of meaning and sensuality. In this workshop, we will explore the power of words. Not for the faint of heart.

First Part: Getting chatty: Moving towards verbal expression from inner world, body tension and breathing.

Second Part: Less Rope. More Talk. Use the words to rock your partner’s world.

Goal: Adding verbal expression to the toolset we use during our Shibari encounter, deepening the understanding of how to use verbal expression in Shibari.