Hashira

In Japanese bondage the hashira refers to a solid pole that is mounted vertically and used as an attachment point for bondage, with the person bound to the pole. It can be used both for suspension as well as for semi-suspension. It is used to restrict a person's movement in rope and fixate the person to the pole so they cannot move.

Origins of Hashira

Traditionally, a hashira is part of the wooden structure of a building in Japan, however these are sometimes also installed as temporary structures and can also be made out of other materials.

Safety & Consent

Hashira is considered a higher risk variation of Japanese bondage as there is more restriction. It can lead to fainting due to oxygen restriction or pressure on the body constricting blood flow to limbs (this can cause blood rushes when untying).

Other Options

In some cases, people will hang a bamboo pole vertically from a single point and will use similar techniques as they would with a hashira. They sometimes refer to this as a "floating hashira". But the use of this term in this way is debated as the fixation still allows the bamboo to move and therefore the purpose and sensation are different.