Sugiura Norio and Naka Akira - Photography Workshop - Tokyo edition

Rope Tales is proud to present a workshop by Sugiura Norio and Naka Akira in Tokyo.
Bondage photography is becoming increasingly popular, and we are trying to give enthusiasts from all over the world a chance to learn from the most important photographer of this kind from Japan, in Japan. Naka Sensei is Sugiura Norio's main rigger for many years now. His presence to this workshop is an invaluable opportunity for all attendees.

Where

The chosen location is an iconic photo studio, furnished as a beautiful Japanese house in Shinjuku,Tokyo.
The closest important train station is Akebonobashi, 15 minutes from Shinjuku station.
The exact location will only be communicated after booking.

Because Traditional Japanese houses often need extensive maintenance with very shot notice, it is impossible to guarantee the location availability until November 2025. In case of need, Sugiura Sensei will rent a house further from the city center.

When

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
February 17-19-21 2027
10.00 - 17.00

IMPORTANT NOTE
Each ticket only grants access to the location for one day. You must purchase a ticket for each day you want to attend. The house is unfortunately too small to accommodate all the attendees at all times.

Workshop

The event will consist of two practical shooting sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each featuring a different Western rigger.

During each session, Sugiura Norio Sensei will demonstrate his working method directly on set, guiding the photographic process and showing how he develops a visual narrative within a traditional Japanese environment. At the same time, the participating photographers and assistants will work alongside him, learning through direct observation and practical involvement.

Naka Akira Sensei will also contribute throughout the sessions by offering his perspective on the rope work. Under Sugiura Norio Sensei’s photographic direction, he will advise the riggers on the technical and artistic choices involved in the tying, helping them shape the rope work in relation to the model, the composition and the atmosphere of the shoot.

Each two-hour session will accommodate up to two photographers and two assistants.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to work with the distinctive elements of traditional Japanese architecture, including wooden beams, pillars and traditional props, and how these can be used to structure the image and support the story being told.

The sessions will offer a direct insight into the collaboration between photographer, rigger and model, and into the way Sugiura Norio Sensei uses space, light, rope and direction to create photographs in which the model remains the central protagonist.

Photographer's experience

Those who choose to attend as photographers will have the opportunity to be directed by Sugiura Sensei during one shift. They will take pictures of an elegantly er**ic bondage scene, surrounded with a supporting team who takes care of every detail, for the production of the best possible images. They will also be able to watch all the sessions during the day they attend.

Assistants

Those who attend as assistants, will be able to watch all the sessions during the day they attend. They will be assigned tasks other than taking pictures during one of the two shifts of the day.

Auditors

To avoid overcrowding the studio, we cannot sell auditors tickets.

Partners

We understand bondage is a recreational activity, and some attendees might be willing to travel with their parner(s). To avoid overcrowding, only attendees will be able to enter the studio during the workshop (one ticket per person). 
For the attendees partners we will arrange a Telegram group, so they will be able to coordinate some group activities (namely sightseeing) among themselves.

Schedule:

Wednesday, Friday and Sunday will have similar schedule

Morning: Brief introduction by Sugiura Norio and Naka Akira, followed by the first practical shooting session in a traditional Japanese house with a Western rigger.

Afternoon: Second practical shooting session with a different Western rigger.

Each session will accommodate two photographers, who will receive direct guidance on Sugiura Norio’s working method, photographic approach and direction during the shoot.

Payment

You can pay with your PayPal balance or any credit card through the PayPal processor. You don't need a PayPal account.

Please note your funds will be transferred directly to Sugiura Norio based in Tokyo.

Your payment and data will be processed in Japan according to the Japanese law.
Kiri Nawa Kai is not involved in the payment and the European laws have no jurisdiction.

Any inquiry about payments has to be directed to SNPG. Inc..

Who is Sugiura Norio?

Date of Birth / April 9th, 1942

Until 18 years old, Sugiura Sensei lived in Nagoya.
He dropped out from design school as he found little to gain.
He had experience working as construction coordinator for TV Puppet show.
In early 70's he worked for strip shows as lighting technician / program director at ASAKUSA Eastern Theater.

Back in those days, the strip show industry was already on a decline, as most famous dancer were retired.
At the same time, Blue Film was coming to the forefront of adult industry.
Around 1978, when Blue Film was at the apex, he was introduced to Dan Oniroku from Tako Hachiro, to become his director assistant.
At the time, Mr. Dan was producing blue theatrical performance held in between interlude of Blue Film.
The performance consisted of 10 local theatrical groups, including actress Beni Machiko and theatrical leader Tako Hachiro.

Later Mr. Dan's production published "SM-King" and Sugiura Sensei participated actively as magazine editor.
As Sugiura Sensei managed photo shooting procedure, he naturally learned how to handle the camera.
After he had experienced 3 to 4 years in SM film making production, he got established as freelance photographer.
He works mainly with SM magazine "SM select" and "SM fan", the most popular SM magazines at that time.
By the end of 80's, he has already taken charge of front cover photography of
"SM mania" and "SM secret novel" magazines.

It was the most glorious period of SM magazines, many SM masters like Dan Oniroku, Chigusa Tadao, Mino Muramitsu, and Tsujimura Takashi has actively participated. Later, Sugiura participated in Miwa Publishing house, and continued to produce front cover photography of SM Maniac magazine until today.

Who is Naka Akira

Born in 1959. In his early 30s, he encountered the “Bo***ge Beauty Research Society” (commonly known as “Kinbi Ken”), founded by Nureki Chimuo, a pioneer of hemp rope. There, he first learned about rope and, upon witnessing Nureki's techniques, was deeply inspired and captivated by its presence, thus becoming a member of the society. Since then, he has revered the master as his teacher, inheriting the “Nureki-ryu” style while further refining it with more intricate and precise rope techniques, establishing a unique style known as “Naka-ryu.” This is the essence of Rope. In March 2008, he teamed up with Yume Ryu ZOU to launch the “Yume Ryu Sou Club · Naka Akira Rope Enthusiasts' Society,” aiming for further evolution and deepening, and a life of leisurely indulgence in rope art. Based on the Cine Magic Label, he collaborated with director TOHJIRO under the Dogma Label and with Yume Ryu ZOU under the Art Label on the “Nawa Yoku” series. In photography, he has served as the main rope artist for Sugiura Norio since 2009. Recently, he has also actively participated in theater live performances, demonstrating his status as the leading figure of his generation. Since 2013, his overseas activities have expanded, and to date, he has performed live in Russia, England, Germany, Spain, the United States, Italy, and France. The Naka-style bondage, revered in the West as “NakaStyle,” has undoubtedly had a significant influence on bondage artists worldwide.