Origami Ryujin 35 Tutorial Upd =link=

The Ultimate Guide to Folding Origami Ryujin 3.5: Tutorial Updates & Strategy

The Ryujin 3.5, designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered a pinnacle of modern origami. This "Dragon God" features over 2,000 scales, four detailed legs, and a complex head, all folded from a single square of paper. Because the model is too complex for traditional diagrams, most folders rely on a Crease Pattern (CP) or specialized video tutorials. 1. Essential Preparation & Paper Choice

Folding a Ryujin 3.5 is a long-term commitment that begins with the right materials.

Paper Size: 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.

Paper Type: You need thin, strong paper that can hold many layers. Popular choices include Tissue Foil or Unryu. origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd

Preparation: Many master folders recommend practicing individual units—like the transition units and scales—on smaller scrap sheets before attempting the full model. 2. The Core Learning Path (Lessons & Tutorials)

Since there are no standard step-by-step diagrams in books like Works of Satoshi Kamiya 2 (which only includes the head diagram and CP), the community uses several key "lessons":

FearlessFlourish YouTube Tutorial: An 11-hour comprehensive video series that serves as the closest thing to a full diagram available.

The "Wonko" Lessons: Based on guidance from Daniel Brown (MrOrigami), these lessons break the dragon into manageable parts: Lesson 1-2: Transition units and pleats. Lesson 3-4: Scale shaping and belly pleats. Lesson 8-10: Leg assembly and Spine Breaks. 3. Critical Techniques & Challenges The Ultimate Guide to Folding Origami Ryujin 3

Ryujin 3.5 Lessons from a Master – Setting the Crease - Wonko

This content focuses on the specific nuances of the Ryujin 3.5 (the most popular version) and addresses the "UPD" (Update) aspect by clarifying design evolutions and modern folding techniques.

Phase 5: Shaping and Finishing

A Ryujin looks like a wrinkled snake until you shape it. This requires patience and often a specialized tool (like a shaping stylus).

The Curve: The body should not be rigid. Curve the neck and tail naturally.
The Legs: The front legs have three claws; the back legs have distinct thighs. Use a "wet fold" technique (lightly misting the paper) to round out the thighs and make them look muscular rather than flat.
The Fins: The dorsal fins along the back should be spread out. Do not stack them tightly; give them room to breathe.

Phase 3: The Scales (The "Reverse" Technique)

This is the most time-consuming part of the tutorial. The dragon’s body is covered in individual scales formed by reverse folds. Phase 5: Shaping and Finishing A Ryujin looks

The Updated Strategy: Old tutorials often fold the scales one by one as you shape the body. The updated, cleaner method is:

Pre-crease the Scales: Fold the "fish scale" creases into the strip of paper that will become the body before you collapse the base.
Accordion Fold: Create the accordion structure for the body first.
Crimp and Shape: Use the pre-creased lines to pop the scales out. This results in sharper, more uniform scales and prevents the paper from tearing under stress.

6. Conclusion

While a comprehensive, step-by-step video tutorial for the Ryujin 3.5 exists primarily through the work of Kade Chan and the diagrams in Satoshi Kamiya's book, success relies heavily on the folder's prior experience with complex box-pleated models. It is not recommended for beginners.

Here’s a concise review of the Origami Ryujin 3.5 tutorial by Satoshi Kamiya, based on common feedback from intermediate/advanced folders.

Watch the Updated Tutorial

➡️ [Link to the new YouTube video / Gumroad / Blog Page]

File Download: [Ryujin_3.5_Update_Package.zip] (Includes: PDF roadmap, High-res CP, Scale-counting checklist).