I have to say that I’m not normally nervous performing. I really look forward to it and the rush of doing bondage with clover on stage. London was the first time I’ve really felt anything other than excited.

Nervous is probably not the right word though.

Certainly feeling an edge that I hadn’t before though. I pretty much put this down to the people I knew would be watching. Osada Steve (長田スティーブ), Hajime Kinoko (一鬼のこ), Kazami Ranki (風見蘭喜), Yoi Yoshida (吉田よい), Bingo Shigonawa (紫護縄びんご), Ero Ouji (エロ王子) etc. Also Japanese erotic photography legend Norio Sugiura (杉浦則夫) was in attendance.

We had no concrete plan for the performance, just an idea about how to start and a rough idea of the finish. Everything in between being done on the fly. I think wracking is a good word for it. It wasn’t flawless but we got through. Once it was finished I can’t describe the feelings.

Everyone was very kind in their comments. Kinoko describing it as “Good show. Very sadistic!” with a big grin and “Hot” was so great. Learning via interpreter that Kazami Ranki liked the performance was another thrill.

Finally Osada Steve liking the show and very generously giving me a few tips to improve on the final day was a great bonus for us. He also praised Clover very much as a model and commented on her strength. She makes me very proud.

The weekend was full of stuff that just blew us away. Teaching with Kinoko was an experience. Also my Ichinawa class went over very well and I have to say how touched I’ve been by those that said how much they liked it at the time and since. It was a real pleasure to be part of expanding rope horizons for people.

What can I say about all the other shows that went on that weekend. It was a wild bonanza of talent. A whole night of Japanese performers for the first time outside of Japan. It was a wonderful experience and one that I think may never come again.