Kanna & Kagura Kinbaku Performance

Witness the mesmerizing artistry of rope as Kanna and Kagura take the stage for the first time in Toronto. Traveling all the way from Japan, this renowned duo will showcase the profound power of connection through their impeccable rope work. More than just aesthetics, their performance promises an intensity and depth rarely seen, offering a truly immersive experience. As one of Japan’s most celebrated shibari couples, they bring a rare and unmissable performance—perfect for those who appreciate art, sensuality, and the beauty of human connection.

Nawashi Akechi Kanna (X-gender, she/he/they/no pronouns)(明智 神凪) and Akechi Kagura (she/her) (明智 神楽) are partners in rope and life and have been together for almost twenty years. They have traveled around the world to teach and perform Japanese rope bondage or “kinbaku”. Kanna is a successor of Akechi Denki (明智 伝鬼) and has developed a semenawa style (tormenting the body and the mind with rope) which draws inspiration from hojōjutsu (捕縄術). Kanna's style is restrictive, includes complete control of the body and often plays with the breath.

This performance is co-presented with CORE, a collective of rope educators based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. CORE hopes to cultivate a passion for rope across Ontario and Canada by creating inclusive classes and gathering a diversity of members of different communities, genders, abilities, ages, socioeconomics, and sexual orientations. As of 2022, CORE is an official Kanna-ryū school.

There will be a Q&A with Kanna & Kagura and an open rope jam following the performance for guests who have purchased the stay-to-tie add-on, observers are also welcome to stay! Guests can enjoy refreshing drinks from our bar & music from DJ cutflower.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Anandam Dance Theatre Collective Space, 221 Sterling Road, Toronto, Canada