A Decade of Rope Artistry: Marica Hase's Latest Collaboration

Jennifer Davis · 2026-08-20

You know, sometimes an artist finds a form of expression that just fits. It becomes part of their identity, their story. For Marica Hase, that's kinbaku—the intricate and beautiful Japanese art of rope bondage. And after more than ten years, she's just returned to Japan to create something new with one of the world's leading masters. Her recent trip wasn't just a visit. It was a homecoming of sorts, a deep dive back into an art she's loved and respected for most of her career. She collaborated with the renowned kinbaku photographer Norio Sugiura, a creative partner for over a decade. The result? A fresh collection of photography and video that captures the raw, dynamic energy of their work together. ### A Longstanding Artistic Partnership Think about working with someone for ten years. You develop a rhythm, a trust. That's what Hase and Sugiura have. Hase has been one of his primary models for that long, and her history with kinbaku stretches back even further. Living in Japan immersed her in the culture of traditional rope masters—she didn't just pose; she participated in live performances and intense photography sessions. It became a core part of who she is as an artist. She put it perfectly in her own words: *"Kinbaku is one of the art forms I have always loved and respected. The positions and setups are very difficult, but these are my favorite moments."* That says a lot, doesn't it? It's not about ease; it's about passion and respect for the craft. ### The Artistry Behind the Lens Sugiura's approach is key here. He's not just taking pretty pictures. He's known for a dynamic, almost documentary-style that makes you feel like you're right there in the room. This latest project is part of his series featuring internationally known rope artists. It's high art, captured with an intense, living energy. For Hase, this work is a testament to resilience. Her career is a remarkable journey: - Starting in Japanese mainstream TV and modeling - Winning a major audition to break into exclusive performance - Building a rare cross-market career between Japan and the U.S. - Becoming the only Japanese performer named a U.S. Penthouse Pet - Expanding internationally with awards and Hall of Fame recognition But her path hasn't been easy. She faced a breast cancer diagnosis in 2019, leading to a double mastectomy in 2022. Then, in early 2025, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She overcame both, returning to filming and her work each time. That fight informs her life off-camera, too, where she's an active advocate for cancer awareness and animal rescue. ### More Than Just a Performance What's really compelling about Hase is how she connects with people beyond her professional work. She shares her daily life through social media vlogs, often featuring Buusan, her beloved pig plush character that's developed a fanbase all its own. It's this blend of high art, personal struggle, and relatable personality that makes her story so engaging. This new kinbaku work isn't just another photoshoot. It's a milestone. It marks a decade of collaboration with a master photographer, a return to a foundational art form, and a celebration of enduring artistic passion. It shows what's possible when an artist dedicates themselves to a craft, navigating personal challenges while continuing to create something beautiful and intense. In a world of fleeting trends, there's something powerful about that kind of long-term dedication. Hase and Sugiura's collaboration reminds us that the most meaningful art often comes from deep, sustained partnerships and a genuine love for the process itself, difficult positions and all.