Shibari, meaning simply 'to tie' in Japanese, is used in Western practice to designate an approach to rope bondage informed by Japanese aesthetic and technical traditions. Emphasis is often placed on line, tension, breath and the relationship between rigger and bottom.

The relationship between the terms shibari and kinbaku is discussed differently across schools; both draw on shared Japanese antecedents. This practice generally requires advanced education, informed consent, appropriate risk awareness and should not be approached without adequate knowledge and preparation.