Kasumi Hourai (蓬莱かすみ)

Kasumi Hourai (蓬莱かすみ), born 1980, is a Japanese nawashi.

1980–present

Era: 2010s

NAWASHI · TEACHER

Japanese rigger born 1980, based in Nagoya. Entered shibari in the late 1990s training under Akechi Denki, then refined her skills at Hajime Kinoko's Ichinawakai school. Studio Kink and Prague Shibari Festival bios identify the relevant Kitagawa as Salon Kitagawa's Kitagawa / 喜多川, where she received instruction in carabiner-less technique, locks, knots and bamboo suspension; Kinbaku Today's 2015 interview has Kasumi describe him as a respected Japanese-style rope influence. For a time she belonged to Naka-ryū and taught Naka Akira's style as his deshi; she is no longer his deshi and has established an independent Kasumi Hourai style. Since 2023 she has taught workshops across Europe, Oceania, Canada and Asia, with 2025 kinbaku workshops in Germany, Spain, Rome, Portugal, Australia, China, Taiwan and Thailand / Bangkok, and 2026 workshops planned for Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Australia, Spain and Bangkok. She also holds regular kinbaku events in Japan and currently focuses on training instructors in Kasumi-style kinbaku. In September 2024 opened her own Kinbaku Salon みやび処 (Miyabi-dokoro, 'elegant haven') in Nagoya for one-on-one lessons.

Teachers / direct apprenticeship lineage: Akechi Denki.

Influences (mutual or directional): Hajime Kinoko, Kitagawa, Nawarei, Dasniya Sommer, Margout Darko, Zor, Nawa Kenshin, Thure Nyyrikki, Ann Antidote.

Influenced by: Salon Kitagawa / salonK2.

Collaborators: Akane, Asami Hime.

Associated venues, magazines, films and performances: Ichinawakai, Kinbaku Salon Miyabi-dokoro / みやび処, Prague Shibari Fest 2010s, Onawa Asobi, Shibari Perth, ASKA, Shibari Mon Amour, Espacio Nos.