Ryujin 3.5 , designed by master Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered one of the most complex origami models in existence. Folding it is less of a hobby and more of a marathon, often requiring a sheet of paper at least 1.1 to 1.5 meters square and taking anywhere from 60 hours to three full weeks to complete. The Journey of the Dragon
The process of "putting together" this legendary Eastern dragon follows a rigorous path: The Preparation : You cannot use standard paper. Folders typically use double tissue kraft paper
(around 170cm) to handle the thousands of overlapping folds. Pre-creasing
: This is the most grueling stage. You must lay down a massive grid (often 96x96) and meticulously fold the creases for the 1,200+ scales , legs, and head before the actual shaping begins. The Collapse
: Once the paper is a maze of lines, you "collapse" it. This involves pushing the paper together so it folds along all those pre-made lines simultaneously, forming the base of the body and limbs. The Head & Legs : These are the "hard steps." Tutorial creators like FearlessFlourish
provide multi-part guides specifically for the complex neck twists and leg scale shaping.
: The final touch where you use tweezers and clips to give the dragon its organic, lifelike curves and menacing posture.
For a condensed look at the staggering amount of work required to go from a flat sheet to a finished dragon:
✅ Unmatched detail – The final model is breathtaking, with hundreds of scales, horns, whiskers, and a dynamic pose.
✅ Logical folding sequence – Kamiya’s structure (precreasing → collapsing scales → shaping) teaches advanced techniques like box-pleating and scale-forming.
✅ Good diagram quality – The official book diagrams are crisp, though very dense. Some online video tutorials break down tricky steps (e.g., the head collapse).
✅ Sense of achievement – Completing it is a milestone in origami; you’ll master reverse folds, open sinks, and 3D shaping.
Overview
This refers to a long-awaited or newly updated step-by-step guide for folding the Ryujin 3.5—a legendary, complex origami dragon designed by Satoshi Kamiya. The original diagrams are in his book Works of Satoshi Kamiya 2, but many folders find them insufficient for certain steps. An “upd” (updated) tutorial typically means a clearer video or photo series addressing common trouble spots.
Content & Structure
Most updated tutorials (e.g., on YouTube by creators like Mariano Zavala B. or Tadashi Mori’s older references) break down the model into phases:
What “Upd” Improves
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you’re an intermediate to advanced folder struggling with Kamiya’s original diagrams, an updated tutorial is invaluable. Look for one with high video resolution, clear verbal guidance, and a documented list of updates. Avoid “speed-fold” versions – they defeat the purpose. Rating: 9/10 for utility, assuming you already have basic complex-folding skills.
Folding the Ryujin 3.5 by Satoshi Kamiya is one of the most advanced challenges in origami, requiring mastery of pre-creasing complex collapsing scale shaping
. There are no official step-by-step diagrams; instead, folders must use a Crease Pattern (CP)
and community-made video tutorials to navigate its 2,000+ scales. www.wonko.info Essential Preparations
Before starting, ensure you have the correct materials and space, as this model can take hundreds of hours to complete. www.wonko.info Paper Size : A square of at least 1.5 meters
per side is recommended. While 1 meter is possible, it is significantly more difficult. Paper Type : Thin, strong paper like or treated Double Tissue
is ideal to handle the extreme thickness of the layered scales.
: Most variations of the Ryujin require an initial diagonal grid (often 48x48 or higher) before any unique creases are added. Core Folding Phases
Modern tutorials generally break the process into four distinct stages:
Origami Ryujin 35 Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide to Folding this Majestic Dragon
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, has been a source of fascination for people around the world for centuries. With its roots in Japan, origami has evolved over the years, giving birth to a wide range of intricate designs and models. One such model that has gained popularity among origami enthusiasts is the Origami Ryujin 35. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to fold this majestic dragon, along with some updates and tips to help you master the art of origami. origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd
Introduction to Origami Ryujin 35
The Origami Ryujin 35 is a complex model designed by Satoshi Kamiya, a renowned origami artist. The model is a representation of a dragon, specifically the Ryujin, a mythical creature from Japanese folklore. The Ryujin 35 is a challenging model that requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. However, with practice and dedication, you can create a stunning piece of art that showcases your origami skills.
Materials Needed
To start with, you will need a square piece of paper, preferably kami or washi paper. The recommended size of the paper is 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm). You will also need a flat surface to work on, a pencil or a ruler, and a eraser.
Understanding the Origami Ryujin 35 Diagram
Before we dive into the tutorial, it's essential to understand the origami diagram. The diagram is a crucial tool that guides you through the folding process. It consists of a series of lines, arrows, and symbols that indicate the folds, turns, and other actions required to create the model.
The Origami Ryujin 35 diagram is divided into several sections, each representing a specific part of the model. The diagram may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, you will become familiar with the symbols and notations used.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Here is a step-by-step guide to folding the Origami Ryujin 35:
Step 1-5: Base Folds
Step 6-15: Body Folds
Step 16-25: Tail Folds
Step 26-35: Head and Legs Folds
Assembly and Final Touches
Tips and Updates
Conclusion
The Origami Ryujin 35 is a majestic dragon model that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. With this tutorial, you can create a stunning piece of art that showcases your origami skills. Remember to practice regularly and experiment with different papers and techniques to improve your folding skills. Happy folding!
Upd: Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Upd: Variations and Advanced Techniques
By following this tutorial and practicing regularly, you can master the art of origami and create stunning models like the Origami Ryujin 35. Happy folding!
Title: The Dragon Evolves: Major Updates to the Ryujin 3.5 Tutorial & Folding Walkthrough
Posted by: [Your Name/Handle] Date: April 19, 2026 Category: Advanced Origami / Tutorials
If you have been following this fold’s journey for the past [X months/years], you know that the Origami Ryujin 3.5 (Satoshi Kamiya) is not just a model—it is a rite of passage. It is the Mt. Everest of paper folding.
Today, I am thrilled to announce a significant update to the Ryujin 3.5 tutorial series. Ryujin 3
After countless hours of reverse-engineering the original crease pattern (CP) and breaking down the 275+ steps from the Works of Satoshi Kamiya 3, I have re-recorded, re-diagrammed, and restructured the tutorial to fix the three biggest pain points folders face: the pre-creasing, the head collapse, and the scale symmetry.
Here is what is new in this update (v2.0).