Mistress Tokyo Takes On The World

Recently crowned as Ms Leather Sydney 2012, Mistress Tokyo now has the world in her sights. Next stop: International Ms Leather in San Francisco. Interview by Serkan Ozturk.

That riding crop is not just for show. With over 12 years experience as a professional dominatrix, Mistress Tokyo knows the pleasure that can be brought from pain.

As the city’s reigning leather queen after taking out Ms Leather Sydney 2012 at a packed event hosted by Sydney Leather Pride Association and Dykes on Bikes at the Oxford Hotel last month, the Mistress will this week be in San Francisco for International Ms Leather 2012 where she will be expected to strut, answer questions and give a speech before acting out her ultimate sexual fantasy on stage in under four minutes!

It’s the first time ever that a woman from Australia has attended such a prestigious international fetish competition, and while the Mistress was preparing to take on the world, she found time this week to give SX the lowdown on the local leather scene, what drew her to the lifestyle and the complex psychological interplay that makes BDSM so rewarding – for slaves and Mistresses alike.

SX: What does it take to become Miss Leather Sydney 2012?

Mistress Tokyo: Passion, politics and dedication, and some 12-inch heel patent leather boots thrown in for good measure!

How did you initially get interested in the leather/fetish scene? What appealed so much that it become a lifestyle for you?

It’s not so much that the leather and fetish scene “interested me”, more that I found a homecoming when I first discovered at the age of 21 that there was a whole subculture based around my own personal practices.

I first touched base with Melbourne Hellfire when I moved from my hometown of Perth. I immediately concerned myself with finding out and experiencing as much as I could of the scene. I started my training as a Pro Domme about 12 months later. That was 13 years ago.

Apart from becoming your slave, how may mere mortals experience your mastery over leather and bondage?

I perform semi-regularly at various GLBTIQ events around Sydney doing fetish and bondage shows. I find performance an entity to itself per energy and approach to process – quite different from professional sessions – and thus a challenge.

I enjoy this challenge as it always relies on me drawing from inside me an aspect of my experience that I feel is stimulating, and to then communicate that through the lens of my creativity.

Can you explain your fascination and love for Japanese culture and how that works its way into your life as Mistress Tokyo?

Generally, my scene name ‘Tokyo’ comes from a lifelong interest in Japanese culture. I majored in Japanese, speak the language and regularly travel to Japan. I practise aikido and believe in the martial way as an expression of the “art of living”. My love of the Japanese arts has influenced my aesthetic sensibilities, character and spirituality. I’m not Shinto Buddhist per se, but my spirituality is most inspired by this philosophy and practice.

In regards to my predilections, I’m a devotee of Shibari – Japanese bondage – and will use my aikido techniques whenever I can in my scenes! I also believe in the virtues of Bushido and think they’re an excellent compass when applied to dealings between people. They translate some of the respect I have for those who lend me their minds, bodies and souls in a scene – whether private or professional.

As an expert BDSM practitioner, you must be quite attuned to the nexus of sometimes contradictory desires for control, power and fear. What are your thoughts on views that suggest that many BDSM practices are actually played out in unconscious ways in general society?

I totally agree with your assertion that BDSM practices are actually played out in unconscious ways in general society. I personally am fascinated with this pull of opposites in our psyches and only hope to honour any who seek to thresh out this part of themselves with any level of awareness and courage.

Personally, this is one of many things that keeps me wanting to experience the potential that BDSM play can unlock, wanting to go back to the well of the human experience for another taste of our blood, sweat and tears. It was this notion that first thralled me about play.

I believe it to be our need to diffuse to resolution this internal frisson that leads us to find ourselves willing to risk our bodies, minds and hearts to our loved ones in intense heartfelt scenes. I also think one can understand play better if one would look at our roles and relationships as viewed through the lens of Jung’s archetypes.

Which country’s leather culture appeals to you most?

Australia has the most appealing leather culture for me. Give me my roots and my Australian crew any day - over San Fran, New York or LA. I can’t wait to become more involved in growing the great scene we already have!

You will soon be off to represent Sydney at the International Ms Leather competition to be held in San Francisco this week. What do you think of your chances and what are you most looking forward to?

I think my chances of winning are very good! I’m deeply passionate about the lifestyle, dedicated to the scene and am political – just ask me. I’m also pulling out all the stops in regards to my wardrobe choices. If anyone knows me, they can assure you I’ll be looking sharp.

I’ve been to IML in Chicago once before and to other social events in the US scene, both east and west coast. I can tell you that I’ll be focused on competing in the competition though, and not on the gloss of the event itself until Sunday after the Saturday night contest.

I’m very much looking forward to stepping up to the challenge of representing my community and communicating some of the flavour we have down here. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people in the US GLBTIQ leather scene and can’t wait to spread my very Australian brand of kink!

[Pictured] Ms Leather Sydney 2012, Mistress Tokyo. Photo: Lucas Conrad Messerer, Soul Focus Studio (soulfocusstudio.net)