This version features the basic body structure but lacks the individual scales. It teaches you the macro-shaping of the dragon.
Modern tutorial updates suggest using mini binder clips or jewelry wire to hold the collapsed body sections in place while you free up your hands to work on the complex sink-folds required for the claws. Phase 4: The Head and Whiskers (The Ultimate Test)
: A square of at least 1.5 meters to 2 meters per side is recommended. While a 1-meter square is possible, it makes the 2,000+ scales nearly impossible to shape.
Once the paper is fully "mapped" with creases, you begin the collapse into a 3D form. Ryujin 3.5 Complete Tutorial 19 Dec 2018 — origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd
A perfect 96x96 box-pleat grid is required for the base. 🛠️ Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
The most popular "upd" (updated or comprehensive) guides are found on YouTube:
: These critical folds transform wide pleats into smaller ones, allowing the dragon's body to taper and bend. This version features the basic body structure but
Ryujin 3.5 is the ultimate challenge. The tutorials are out there, scattered across forums, YouTube channels, and books. Now, all you need is the paper and the patience to bring the Dragon God to life.
Folding the 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
This stage involves preparing the grid and the primary structural lines before any 3D shaping begins. Initial Grid Phase 4: The Head and Whiskers (The Ultimate
: Most variations of the Ryujin require an initial diagonal grid (often 48x48 or higher) before any unique creases are added. Core Folding Phases
A Ryujin looks like a wrinkled snake until you shape it. This requires patience and often a specialized tool (like a shaping stylus).
: 120 cm x 120 cm or larger for your first successful attempt.