About me

In a nutshell
I am Louis Kordexe, based in Tokyo, Japan where I’ve lived for twenty years. I do rope play, photography and stage shows in Tokyo. I am Hajime Kinoko’s apprentice and instructor in his Ichinawa circle.

If you travel to Japan
I created an introductory shibari course for travelers with limited time in Japan, designed as an entry door to a potentially lifelong journey. It goes through the basics of shibari, partners mutual trust, safety, some history and some other topics.

I also offer shibari photoshoots and public performances. If you are interested, please check my portfolio or the upcoming events schedule.

More about me
My initial encounter with ropes in 2011 was accidental, yet it led me to continuously learn this art. In the early days, I learned from books and DVDs by Arisue Go and Naka Akira, who fascinated me with their precision, sobriety and japanese traditional aesthetics. They definitely hooked me and I wanted to learn more. At that time my ties were simple, but I was deeply interested in exploring the intimate path of tying during rope play with partners.

I began photography in 2018 to capture shibari in still images. Photography requires a different approach than rope play, pushing to concentrate on tie patterns and overall aesthetics for the final photo. I would describe rope play as enjoying the trip, while photography is about capturing the destination.

This focus led me to the Ichinawa community in 2019 and Hajime Kinoko who blew my mind away by the way he redefined shibari by bringing this artistic dimension. This is where I further enriched my experience. Developing techniques for more beautiful photos led to stage performances at bars and clubs, which I thoroughly enjoy.

I am an Ichinawa grade 2 licensed instructor and a ROPES member, and occasionally assist Hajime Kinoko during his artworks. He is the teacher I learn from today.