Origami Ryujin 3.5 Tutorial Link

The Ryujin 3.5 (Dragon God), designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered one of the most complex origami models ever created, often taking master folders anywhere from 60 to over 200 hours to complete. Because it is a "Super Complex" model, there are no traditional step-by-step diagrams; instead, it is folded from a Crease Pattern (CP). Essential Preparations

Paper Size: A square sheet of at least 1.5 to 2 meters per side is recommended. While a 1-meter square is possible, the thousands of scales become nearly impossible to fold at that scale.

Paper Type: You need extremely thin but strong paper, such as Wenzhou, Single Tissue, or O-Gami. Many folders treat the paper with methylcellulose (MC) to add crispness and strength.

Time Commitment: Expect to spend roughly one month on the project. The Folding Process

The process is generally divided into four major phases: Pre-creasing, Collapsing, Connecting, and Shaping. 1. Pre-creasing (The Foundation)

This is the most time-consuming phase, where you mark every single line from the Crease Pattern onto your paper.

Grid System: Most of the model is based on a dense grid (often or higher). origami ryujin 3.5 tutorial

Scale Pre-creasing: You must pre-crease over 2,000 scales. A common technique involves initiating the scale folds by establishing initial lines and then using a time-lapse-like repetition to finish the body.

Leg and Foot Units: Detailed work is required to pre-crease the leg scales and underbelly pleats. 2. The Collapse

Once pre-creased, you must "collapse" the paper, turning the flat sheet into a 3D form. Ryujin 3.5 FULL HEAD COLLAPSE Tutorial [Satoshi Kamiya] #8

The Ryujin 3.5, designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered one of the most complex origami models ever created. Due to its extreme detail—including over 1,000 scales, four legs, and a detailed head—there are no traditional step-by-step diagrams. Instead, folders must rely on a Crease Pattern (CP) and specialized video guides. Core Preparations

Before you begin, ensure you have the correct materials and understand the scale of the project:

Paper Selection: You need a very large, thin, and strong sheet. Most experts recommend Wenzhou rice paper or Double Silk (roughly The Grid: The model is based on a The Ryujin 3

grid. This pre-creasing process alone can take over 20 hours.

Resources: FearlessFlourish provides the most comprehensive video series covering every major section. Folding Sequence

The model is typically folded in distinct sections rather than all at once:

Pre-Creasing: Establishing the grid and the "long lines" required for the scales and transition units.

Scale Collapsing: This is the most repetitive phase. You will collapse mountain and valley folds to create individual scales across the body.

Legs & Limbs: These require specific "collapsing" techniques to ensure the creases connect from the top and bottom of the paper. If you search for "Origami Ryujin 3

The Head: Often folded separately or at the end, this section involves a complex "full head collapse" and subsequent shaping.

Shaping: The final step involves using tools like an X-Acto knife or tweezers to curve the scales and position the body.

Because this model is nearly impossible to explain in written steps alone, these video guides are essential for navigating the complex crease pattern: