In the interests of nipping shibari misinformation in the bud, I thought it well worth re-posting an enlightening thread from Ashtraymedia-Mack, one of the LFAJRB team, that appeared on Fetlife: [private]
“Following this year’s London Festival of the Art of Japanese Rope Bondage the term M-Jo (M女／エム女）has started to be widely used in both writing and conversation by non Japanese speakers.
It’s important to keep in mind that the word is a description of a role. The role of “Masochistic Woman” – “Sub” – “Bottom” – In Japanese this paints a very clear picture.
However it seems that of late the word, used by non-Japanese speakers, is being used far more generically.
A number of the women you see working with Japanese Riggers are themselves professional performers, actresses, dancers etc (Eg: Waka Miho, Miki, Yui, Reika to name a few). And the chances are they are not in any formal relationship with the rigger (i.e: Girlfriend, Wife, Sub, Slave).
Even the Japanese don’t use the word M-Jo a great deal. Especially in reference to performers.
Having now had a number of comments about this language use post the LFAJRB I feel it only polite to pass this on. I see the term used a lot in Blogs and other writings. Please consider using a more appropriate generic word such as “Model” or “Rope Partner”.
This can be especially offensive to the models to be called an M-Jo. For some it’s a ‘cheap’ thing to be called. That’s all down to personal interpretation of the meaning but it’s really best to err on the side of caution.
Best Regards ,
Mack & Co.”[/private]
So there you have it. It always pays to run these things past a Japanese national or, at least, somebody who knows the language and culture well if you want to avoid causing offence or looking like an idiot…or both. Having lived in Japan for 10 years, having a Japanese partner and being good buddies with Kinoko and the Ichinawa-kai crew means Mack knows what he’s talking about.