In contemporary practice, Shibari is defined by its focus on connection and the visual composition created by the "rigger" () on the "bottom" ( Nawa-uke ):
During the Edo period (1603–1867), Japanese warriors and law enforcement developed Hojojutsu , a system of using cord for restraint. Because the samurai class adhered to a strict code of honor, the manner in which an individual was restrained often reflected their social status and the nature of the situation, with specific patterns used to maintain a level of dignity even in captivity. 2. The Birth of Kinbaku-bi