Origami Ryujin 35 Tutorial Upd Verified (2024)

Report: Analysis and Availability of the Origami Ryujin 3.5 Tutorial

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Status update on tutorial resources for the Ryujin 3.5 origami model.

Part 1: The Updated Prep – Paper and Gridding

Most failed attempts start here. The upd approach changes how you grid.

Part 5: Where to Download the Official & Updated Diagrams

Due to copyright, I cannot host the diagrams, but here is the legal and updated path: origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd

Buy Works of Satoshi Kamiya 2 (ISBN: 978-4-88996-237-4). This is the only legal source of the base diagram.
Download the "UPD" errata sheet from the Origami Database (free). This sheet corrects 14 specific errors in the English translation of the book.
Join the r/origami Discord and look for the pinned message "#ryujin-help" containing a 2025 photo-tutorial sequence for the tail.

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.

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.

3. The Discord Server "Live Collapse" (2025 Community Doc)

Format: Google Docs + Animated GIFs
Why it’s the most updated: This community doc is updated weekly. It includes an errata for the original book and a new sequence for shaping the dorsal spines (the spikes along the back) without tearing paper.

Mastering the Mythical: The Ultimate Guide to the Origami Ryujin 3.5 Tutorial (Updated)

Last Updated: [Current Date]

In the pantheon of complex origami, few figures command as much respect, awe, and sheer frustration as the Origami Ryujin 3.5. Designed by the legendary Japanese origami master Satoshi Kamiya, this 1:1 scale representation of a Japanese dragon (Ryujin) is considered the "Everest" of paper folding. For years, aspiring folders have scoured the web for a complete, step-by-step breakdown. If you searched for "origami ryujin 35 tutorial upd" , you are likely one of those brave souls looking for the most current, reliable, and comprehensive guide available.

This article serves as your updated roadmap. We will not only provide the latest resources and video walkthroughs for the Ryujin 3.5 but also break down the pre-creasing, shaping, and assembly phases that official diagrams often assume you already know.

3. Availability of "Tutorial" Resources

The search query "origami ryujin 35 tutorial" generally yields the following types of resources: Report: Analysis and Availability of the Origami Ryujin 3

A. Video Tutorials (Primary Source: YouTube)

Kade Chan: A prominent Hong Kong-based origami artist. His video series is widely considered the definitive video guide for the Ryujin 3.5. It is not a step-by-step "hold-your-hand" tutorial but rather a walkthrough of the crease pattern and key collapsing sequences.
Satoshi Kamiya (Official): The designer occasionally posts progress videos or photos, but rarely a full tutorial.
Community Folders: Various channels offer speed-folds or explanations of specific sections (e.g., "How to fold the head," "How to fold the scales").

B. Diagrams and Crease Patterns (CPs)

Works of Satoshi Kamiya (Book): The definitive diagrams for the Ryujin 3.5 are published in this book. It is the most reliable source for the official sequence.
Crease Patterns: Widely available online. Advanced folders often use the CP to pre-crease the entire sheet before collapsing.

C. Scaled Down Versions

For beginners attempting to learn the mechanics before committing to a full 2-meter dragon, tutorials for "Mini Ryujin" or "Ryujin 3.5 scaled down" are available. These utilize the same topology but with fewer scale repetitions.

1. Mariano Zavala B.'s "Ryujin 3.5 Slow Tutorial" (2024 Update)

Length: 22 videos (approx. 18 hours total)
Why it’s updated: Mariano uses a double-sided color-change paper (red/white) to show which flaps become horns vs. whiskers. He also corrects a major diagram error on step 187 (the neck twist).
Best for: Visual learners who need slow, repeated movements.