Yukimura Haruki (雪村春樹)

Yukimura Haruki (雪村春樹), 1948–2016, was a Japanese nawashi in the Yukimura-ryū.

Era: 1980s

NAWASHI · TEACHER · PHOTOGRAPHER

One of the most active bakushi of his time and the founder of Yukimura-ryū. Held an interest in kinbaku from childhood. First entered rope as a photographer, editor and producer of more than 3000 videos, books and publications about shibari/kinbaku, then over time moved from behind the camera to performing rope in front of the lens. A translated 1993 SM Spirits dialogue documents a joint Taiyo Tosho video with Nureki Chimuo, including a final side-by-side tying sequence. Father of the 'newaza' (floor-work) technique focused on the intense emotional relationship between rigger, model and rope. In his final decade taught his style to a small number of Western practitioners; conducted his first workshop outside Japan in Copenhagen in 2012, certifying instructors across Europe and beyond.

School: Yukimura-ryū

Students / direct apprentices: Murasaki Haruan, Zetsu, Master K, Haruteru, Hebari, Harukumo, HaruTsubaki, Nuit de Tokyo, Michael RopeKnight, Ibarako Harumayu, Himuro Eve, Yukinaga Max, Osada Steve, Davide La Greca.

Influences (mutual or directional): Naka Akira, Barkas, Avalon, Esinem, Kenyade, Sin, Hajime Kinoko, Nina Russ, Pilar LaOtra, Andy Buru, WykD Dave, Clover Brook, Zor, UnkownRigger, Andrea Ropes, Andrea La quarta corda, Naoko, Alfil Barcelona, Harumitsu, Komoa, Iris Red Horse.

Influenced by: Kinbaku Video Archive Era.

Collaborators: Nureki Chimuo, Akane, Ayame.

Associated venues, magazines, films and performances: LA Rope Dojo, Copenhagen Shibari Dojo, Cinemagic, Bakushi, Jyowa / Rope Stories.