Folding the Ryujin 3.5 , designed by Satoshi Kamiya, is widely considered the ultimate test of an origami artist's skill and patience. Since no official step-by-step diagrams exist for the entire model, folders must rely on the Crease Pattern (CP) and community-made video tutorials. Tutorial Overview & Quality The most reputable guides, such as those by FearlessFlourish Daniel Brown , break the process into modular segments due to the model's sheer complexity. Structure: Tutorials typically follow a four-part progression: Preparation (paper choice), Pre-creasing Collapsing Video tutorials are essential because they demonstrate "nested collapses"—where multiple parts of the dragon must be folded simultaneously, a process that is nearly impossible to visualize from a static CP alone. Key Focus Areas: Guides often dedicate entire videos to specific high-difficulty sections like the neck twist Requirements & Commitment
Origami Ryujin 3.5 — Comprehensive Editorial and Tutorial Overview Ryujin 3.5 is a highly complex, celebrated origami model of a dragon designed by Satoshi Kamiya. It builds on earlier Ryujin variants, featuring highly detailed scales, limbs, horns, and an articulated tail. The 3.5 version is notable for refined proportions, denser scale tessellation, and advanced shaping techniques that demand precision, patience, and experience with high-complexity models. This editorial explains preparation, tools, paper choice, folding strategies, step-by-step guidance for key sections, common pitfalls, and finishing tips to achieve museum-quality results. Preparation Skill and time expectations
Experience: Advanced to expert-level origami; familiarity with Kamiya-style bases, closed sinks, multiple reverse folds, pleating, and complex wet-folding is recommended. Time: 10–40+ hours depending on paper, previous experience, and the level of detail you aim for. Space: Clean, flat workspace with good lighting and room to stretch out large sheets.
Tools and supplies
Paper: High-quality thin yet strong paper is essential. Recommended options:
Unryu or kozo tissue (strong fibers) for large sheets. Elephant hide for shaping and durability (heavier; good for detailed shaping). Washi (thin, long-fibered) for balance between strength and pliability. Custom-processed foil-backed tissue or kami/foil for extreme detail (foil-backed tissue helps hold shape).
Recommended sizes:
70–100 cm square for first attempts (scaling down increases difficulty). 40–60 cm for experienced folders wanting more manageable sizes.
Cutting: Sharp scissors or a paper cutter (only if starting from non-square stock; model assumes a perfect square). Bone folder or folding tool for crisp creases. Tweezers or hemostat for stuffing and shaping small areas. Brushes and distilled water for controlled wetting (if wet-folding). Clips to hold damp paper during drying (if wet-folding). Glue: Minimal archival glue for internal locking (use sparingly; many purists avoid glue).
Paper preparation
Pre-crease gently where needed to manage thick layers. For very large designs, consider reinforcing with subtle starch or methylcellulose if your paper is too fragile. If using foil-backed tissue, ensure foil is bonded smoothly to avoid tearing during complex sinks.
Folding Strategy and Workflow 1) Read and study the diagram/instructions first