Origami Ryujin 35 Tutorial Upd May 2026

✅ 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.

Unlike simpler models, the Ryujin 3.5 cannot be folded from standard kami (6-inch paper).

The 2025 approach to shaping is radically different. Old tutorials had you shape during collapse. The updated method uses Post-Collapse Sculpting.

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.

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:

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 upd

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:

Mastering the Ryujin 3.5, designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered the "holy grail" of origami due to its 2,000+ scales and complex transitions. Because there is no single step-by-step diagram, folders typically rely on a series of specialized lessons covering pre-creasing, collapsing, and shaping. Essential Preparation & Materials

Before starting, ensure you have the correct scale and paper type. ✅ Unmatched detail – The final model is

Paper Size: A square of at least 1.5 meters per side is recommended. While a 1-meter square is possible, it is extremely difficult for beginners.

Paper Type: High-quality Kraft paper, Wenzhou, or large rolls of thin, durable paper are preferred. Some folders piece sheets together since the seams are often hidden inside the body.

Tools: Use dotting tools, toothpicks, or mechanical pencils with metal points to help shape the tiny scales. Elmer’s glue is often used for final shaping and to keep the structure rigid. The 4 Phases of Folding

Ryujin 3.5 Pre-Crease Tutorial Part 3 (Satoshi Kamiya) (Origami)

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. Unlike simpler models, the Ryujin 3

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