There are many myths around rope, most importantly about “asanawa”. We also seem to run into a common mistranslation here. “Nawa” is an old Japanese word for rope (the modern word is “ropu”). “Asa” translates as either flax, linen or hemp. Flax seems to be a much more accurate translation.

“Asanawa” is translated by many as “rice hemp”. Since rice and hemp are two entirely different plants, “rice hemp” simply does not exist. Rice straw was and is used in Japan to manufacture rope, predominantly used for ritualistic or agricultural purposes.

Ever since cheap cotton took over most of the textile industry in the 18th and 19th century, other natural fibers have lost their market dominance. The USA-inspired witch hunt on cannabis production basically brought hemp-farming to a complete standstill in the 1980s. As a result, the modern “natural” rope industry produces hardly any 100 percent natural (let alone single fiber) rope. In fact, any “natural” rope is combination of different raw materials and most have non-natural fibers added to it, for strength, durability and cost reduction. Most of what is currently on the market as either hemp or flax rope is actually a mixture of both fibers, jute and a variety of non-natural fibers.

For traditional Japanese bondage, use either flax of hemp. Just do not expect to find 100 percent natural, single fiber rope. Good alternatives are:

Synthetic flax or hemp – used on classic sail boats, hence easy to obtain from ship rigging stores. This is a combination of flax/hemp and synthetic fibers. Provided at least one kernel is removed and the ropes are washed several times, prior to use, this a good and affordable alternative.

Climbing rope is fully synthetic and although not “traditional” a very good, affordable, reliable and safe alternative. For ropes with non-twisted kernels the number of kernels should be reduced to one. All ropes should be washed several times, prior to use.

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
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