A catch-all phrase for rope made of hemp, jute, linen, etc.

Japanese: 麻縄

Asa ( 麻 ): strong, sturdy.
Nawa ( 縄 ): rope

The Japanese vocabulary does not make a distinction between hemp and jute. Asanawa from jute could be called “juta-asa”.

Rope for Kinbaku is usually 7-9 meters in length and between 6 to 8 mm in width, but many other variations are possible. Usually a knot is tied at each end so that these “buttons” can be used to holds the rope-ends in place. Various nawashi use different methods for treating their ropes to increase their suppleness and longevity.

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