One star removed for the lack of shaping instructions and high entry barrier. But as a technical achievement, it’s a 5/5. If you’re ready to suffer beautifully, go for it. If not, try Kamiya’s Phoenix 3.5 or Wizard first.
The dragon's body is made of hundreds of reverse-folded scales. The updated tutorials show a "strip collapse" method:
Common Error (Old Way): Pre-shaping scales before the spine is locked. New Way: Leave the scales as raw pleats until the head is done.
The Ryujin's head is distinct from other dragons (like the Bahamut) because of its prominent whiskers and horns.
I have created a 1-page "Dragon Roadmap" PDF. It shows exactly which fold to execute at each 10cm interval of the paper. You can now stick this to your wall instead of squinting at your phone screen with crumby fingers.
The Ryujin 3.5 remains the benchmark for origami dragons. While the design is decades old, the "updated" way to fold it emphasizes pre-creasing the scales and grid-based alignment rather than fumbling with loose reference points. With the right paper and a steady hand, you can bring this Eastern Dragon to life.
Folding the Ryujin 3.5 by Satoshi Kamiya is widely considered one of the most difficult challenges in the world of origami. Because it is a "super complex" model that can take a month to complete, there is no single "updated" tutorial that covers every step in a standard 10-minute format. Instead, most folders rely on a combination of community-developed guides, lessons from experts like Daniel Brown, and specific module tutorials. Core Phases of Folding Ryujin 3.5
Most updated tutorials break the process into these critical sections:
Preparation & Paper Choice: Use a square of paper at least 1.5 to 2 meters per side. Specialty papers like "Origamido" or treated tissue-foil are often recommended for their strength and thinness.
Pre-creasing: This is the most time-consuming stage, involving the creation of thousands of intersecting grid lines for the scales and transition units.
Scaling (The "Blighters"): The model features over 2,000 scales. Tutorials often focus on "fast methods" for shaping these using tools like toothpicks or mechanical pencils to poke and tuck the paper into curves.
Transition Units: Specialized folds that transform wide pleats into the smaller ones required for the legs and head.
Collapsing: Bringing the pre-creased paper into its final 3D form. Key tutorials focus on the most difficult collapses:
The Head: Often done as a live "head collapse" demonstration because of its complexity.
The Legs: Requires precise mountain and valley folds to connect diagonal creases.
The Neck Twist: Considered the third most difficult step, where the base of the head must be flipped over at the neck. Where to Find Guides & Diagrams
Since there are no "official" step-by-step diagrams in the traditional sense, you can find the most helpful community resources on these platforms:
Detailed Lesson Lists: Sites like Wonko's 365 Origami break the model into 9+ distinct lessons, covering everything from "blocks to fans" to shoulder transitions.
Instructional PDFs: Community-made "draft" instructions and guides are often shared on Scribd.
Video Tutorials: Creators like Daniel Brown are often cited as the gold standard for video walkthroughs of the crease pattern (CP).
Ryujin 3.5 Lessons from a Master – Setting the Crease - Wonko
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:
The Ryujin 3.5, designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered one of the most complex origami models in existence. There is no single, step-by-step instruction manual; instead, folders must rely on the Crease Pattern (CP) and specialized lessons for specific sections like the scales, head, and legs. 1. Essential Preparations
Folding a Ryujin 3.5 requires extreme patience and the right materials. Beginners are strongly advised to practice individual units before attempting the full model.
Paper Choice: Use very thin, strong paper. Standard "origami paper" is insufficient. A square sheet at least 1.5 metres to a side is recommended.
Tools: Precision tools like an X-Acto knife, toothpicks, or mechanical pencils with metal points are essential for shaping the thousands of scales.
Pre-Creasing: This is the longest phase. You must establish a massive grid and precise mountain/valley folds across the entire sheet before any collapsing begins. 2. The Folding Process
The model is typically broken down into distinct complex sections:
The Scales: The body features over 2,000 scales. A popular "fast method" involves slightly poking and tucking the paper to create curves. origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd
Legs and Feet: These require simultaneous collapsing of the sides and bottom to ensure creases connect properly.
The Head: Often the final piece, the head collapse involves intricate "open sinks" and a difficult neck twist to flip the head base right-side up.
The Tail: Once pre-creased, the tail is often wrapped and occasionally glued for structural stability. 3. Key Resources for Updates
Because there is no official diagram, most folders use video series and community guides: Ryujin 3.5 FULL HEAD COLLAPSE Tutorial [Satoshi Kamiya] #8
Folding Satoshi Kamiya's Ryujin 3.5 is one of the ultimate challenges in origami. Because a single tutorial can exceed 10 hours, most folders use a combination of video series and community-made guides. Essential Resources The Gold Standard Tutorial : The most comprehensive step-by-step guide is the Ryujin 3.5 Complete Tutorial Playlist
by FearlessFlourish, which breaks the model down into manageable parts like the head, legs, and scales. Reference Documents : A highly recommended written supplement is Daniel Brown's Ryujin Guide
, which provides diagrams and technical advice for various Ryujin versions. PDF Instruction Guides
: Detailed technical walkthroughs covering the crease pattern (CP) and difficult sections like the neck twist can be found on Preparation Checklist
Before starting, ensure you have the right materials to avoid structural failure mid-fold: Paper Size
: A square of at least 1.5 meters (roughly 5 feet) is recommended for beginners. Advanced folders may attempt it with 1 meter. Paper Type
: Use thin, strong paper like double-tissue or sketching paper (<60gsm). : The model is based on a massive 96x96 grid. Key Folding Stages Pre-creasing
: This phase involves making thousands of initial folds for the scales and body. It is often the most time-consuming part.
: You will need to fold over 1,200 individual scales. It is best to practice these on a separate sheet first. Collapsing
: This includes the critical "head collapse" and leg assemblies. The Neck Twist
: This is widely considered the most difficult technical step of the model.
For a deep dive into the preparation and materials needed before you make your first crease:
The Ryujin 3.5, designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered one of the most complex origami models in existence, featuring over 2,000 scales and an intricate multi-headed dragon structure. Mastering this model requires a methodical approach, starting from specialized paper preparation to high-level technical collapsing techniques. 🛠️ Phase 1: Preparation & Materials
Success with the Ryujin begins with the right paper. Using standard origami paper will likely lead to tearing or excessive bulk. Recommended Paper: Double tissue or thin sketching paper ( ) is ideal for handling the thousands of layers.
Dimensions: A minimum square of 1.2 to 1.5 meters is recommended. The Grid: You must accurately pre-crease a grid before starting any specific details. 📐 Phase 2: Pre-Creasing Hierarchy
The pre-creasing phase is the most time-consuming part of the build, often taking dozens of hours.
The Scales: You must pre-crease thousands of small "diamond" units. Many folders use a "time-lapse" method or repeat the pattern across the paper to stay consistent.
Transition Units: These critical folds transform wide pleats into smaller ones, allowing the dragon's body to taper and bend.
Diamond Stretches: These are used to create the specific structural shifts needed for the legs and heads. 🐉 Phase 3: Technical Collapsing
Once pre-creased, the model is collapsed into its 3D form. This is often done in segments:
Legs & Scales: The legs are formed by collapsing the sides and bottom of a section simultaneously. This requires precisely matching mountain and valley folds so the paper lies flat.
The Head & Tail: These areas require the highest precision, often involving "hard steps" that require clips or pins to hold the paper in place while folding. ✨ Phase 4: Shaping (The Finishing Touch)
After the base is collapsed, the scales must be shaped to give the dragon its organic look.
Fast Shaping Method: Use a pointy tool like an X-Acto knife, toothpick, or mechanical pencil to gently poke and tuck each scale into a curve.
Tucking: Opening each scale slightly with a finger and tucking the paper inward creates the overlapping "armored" appearance.
For a visual walkthrough of the most difficult steps—including leg collapsing and scale shaping—watch these expert guides: Ryujin 3.5 Complete Tutorial 294K views · 7 years ago YouTube · FearlessFlourish
While there is no single "official" video tutorial for Satoshi Kamiya's Ryujin 3.5, the community highly regards the comprehensive guides developed by Daniel Brown (often referred to as the gold standard) and recent high-quality video updates from creators like Fearless Flourish.
The Ryujin 3.5 is considered one of the most complex models in existence, typically requiring 100+ hours of work. Key Tutorials & Resources
Daniel Brown's Ryujin Guide: Widely cited as the most "heroic" resource for the model, providing detailed photodiagrams and lessons. It is often accessed through the "Ryujin Central" community hub.
Fearless Flourish (YouTube): Offers an extensive video tutorial series (reportedly around 11 hours long) that covers the collapsing and shaping process.
Satoshi Kamiya's "World of Super Complex Origami": This book contains the official Crease Pattern (CP). Most advanced folders use this as their primary reference alongside tutorials. Shaping & Specialty Tutorials: One star removed for the lack of shaping
Scale Shaping: Dedicated videos like the Fast Method for Shaping Scales demonstrate how to use tools like toothpicks or X-Acto knives to "pop" the 2,000+ scales.
Leg & Neck Transitions: Specific tutorials focus on the "torturous" transitions where the body pleats must shift to accommodate legs or the complex neck twist. Critical Review of the Folding Experience
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.
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!
Folding Satoshi Kamiya's Ryujin 3.5 is widely considered one of the ultimate "boss fights" of the origami world. Reviews and community feedback on available tutorials—most notably the series by FearlessFlourish (Daniel Brown)—highlight both the immense satisfaction and the grueling technical demands of this model. Core Review Insights
The "Gold Standard" Tutorial: The Ryujin 3.5 Complete Tutorial by Daniel Brown is the most frequently cited resource for success. While it is praised for being brilliant and clear, it is still described as "torturous" due to the model's inherent complexity.
Time Commitment: This is not a weekend project. Completing the model often takes 60+ hours of active folding spread over months. One folder noted it took two years of intermittent effort to finally reach the finish line. Difficulty Peaks:
The Scales: Described as the most tedious and insane part of the process.
The Head & Neck: A "nightmare of wrong-way-roundedness" that often requires improvisation or multiple attempts to get right.
Collapsing: The transition from a flat, pre-creased sheet to a 3D dragon is highly volatile, with paper often curling or becoming too bulky to shape without advanced techniques like glue or Methyl Cellulose (MC). Critical Pre-Folding Advice
If you are planning to follow a Ryujin 3.5 tutorial, community members on Reddit's r/origami emphasize several non-negotiables:
Paper Size: A square of at least 1.5 meters to 2.1 meters is recommended. Folding from a 1-meter square is possible but "very difficult" for a first attempt.
Paper Type: You need thin, durable paper (15–50 GSM). Many folders use multiple sheets of craft or tissue paper glued together to reach the necessary size.
Skill Prerequisite: It is highly recommended to fold the simpler Ryujin 2.1 first to understand the transition units and scale structures before tackling the 3.5. Where to Find the Tutorial
The most popular "upd" (updated or comprehensive) guides are found on YouTube: Common Error (Old Way): Pre-shaping scales before the
Ryujin 3.5 Pre-Crease Tutorial Part 1 (Satoshi Kamiya) (Origami)
To update your Ryujin 3.5 and give it an interesting, professional-grade feature, focus on 3D scale shaping. Rather than leaving the scales flat, you can use a "fast shaping" method to give the dragon's skin a realistic, curved texture that catches the light. Adding the 3D Scale Feature
The most impactful feature you can add is individual scale curvature. This elevates the model from a complex fold to a life-like sculpture.
Tool Selection: Use a fine-pointed tool like a toothpick, a mechanical pencil with the lead retracted, or the back of an X-Acto knife. The Shaping Technique:
Place a finger behind the scale to provide support and slightly open the paper.
Use your tool to gently poke and tuck the paper along the small open space of the scale.
Avoid the very tip of the scale; instead, focus on creating a smooth curve along the sides.
Unique Variations: For a more aggressive or "interesting" look, apply a slight diagonal movement while shaping to create asymmetrical, dynamic scales.
Finishing Touch: Flatten the very top of each scale slightly after curving them to give the dragon a more polished, "armored" appearance.
For a visual demonstration of how to execute this scale shaping quickly: Advanced Structural Features
If you are still in the assembly phase, consider these "pro" updates:
Internal Wire Frame: Run a wire down the major pleat bundle before wrapping the scaled skin. This allows you to pose the dragon in dynamic, serpentine coils rather than a static line.
Bridging Strips: If you are folding from multiple sheets (common for a 1.5m+ scale), use bridging strips to connect corresponding pleats. These stay hidden inside and maintain the model's structural integrity.
For the full technical breakdown of the most difficult sections:
The Head: Follow a dedicated Full Head Collapse tutorial to ensure the "crown" and eyes are sharp.
The Legs: Pay close attention to the Half Leg Collapse to ensure the transition from body scales to limb is seamless.
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:
You're looking for a tutorial on how to make an Origami Ryujin 3.5! That's a fascinating model.
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between two great mountains, there lived a young apprentice named Kaito. Kaito was determined to master the ancient art of origami, and his sensei, Master Tanaka, had assigned him a challenging task: to create the magnificent Origami Ryujin 3.5.
The Ryujin, a mythical dragon from Japanese folklore, was said to possess incredible power and wisdom. Its origami form was rumored to be a true test of skill and patience. Undaunted, Kaito accepted the challenge.
As he began to fold the paper, Kaito realized that the design was more intricate than he had anticipated. The model required 35 distinct steps, each one demanding precision and attention to detail. Frustration began to creep in, but Kaito persevered, recalling Master Tanaka's wise words: "A true artist must be patient and persistent."
Hours turned into days, and days into weeks. Kaito encountered many obstacles, but with each failure, he learned and improved. He carefully crafted each scale, wing, and claw, pouring his heart and soul into the creation.
Finally, after weeks of dedication, Kaito's Origami Ryujin 3.5 began to take shape. The dragon's body started to emerge, its curves and lines majestic and powerful. As Kaito completed the final folds, he stepped back to admire his masterpiece.
The Origami Ryujin 3.5 stood proudly on Kaito's workbench, its wings spread wide, and its eyes gleaming with a fiery spirit. Kaito beamed with pride, knowing that his hard work and perseverance had paid off.
Sensei Master Tanaka was overjoyed when he saw Kaito's creation, nodding in approval. "You have truly captured the essence of the Ryujin," he said. "Your patience and skill are a testament to the power of origami."
From that day on, Kaito's Origami Ryujin 3.5 became a legendary model, inspiring others to explore the art of origami. And Kaito continued to create, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with paper and imagination.
Here’s an informative review of the search result “origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd” (likely referring to an updated tutorial for Satoshi Kamiya’s Ryujin 3.5):
The Ryujin 3.5 (divine dragon) tutorial—primarily the official diagrams in Works of Satoshi Kamiya 2 and photodiagrams / video series by various creators (e.g., Mariano Zavala, Tadashi Mori’s partial tutorials)—is considered a masterpiece of technical origami. It’s not for beginners or casual folders.