Managing the transition from the body into the detailed limbs. 3. Advanced Collapsing
Fold the head from a separate, smaller sheet of paper before attempting the full body. 2. Preparing Your Materials
A collapsed crease pattern looks like a flat, messy accordion. The final magic happens during the shaping process.
You will manipulate the grid so that a pleat overlaps the next row, leaving a diamond-shaped flap pointing backward.
The Ryujin 3.5 relies on a 64x64 grid , which is further subdivided diagonally.
: Use standard open-sink folds to extend the paper into four distinct digits per foot. Phase 4: Final Shaping and Wet-Folding
Gently twist and curve the spine into a dynamic, serpentine pose.
Start by folding simpler, complex dragons first. The Kamiya's own Ryujin 2.1 is the ideal prerequisite—it shares the same "language" of scales and basic structure but is significantly less daunting. Mastering it will teach you the fundamental techniques and patience required.
There is no single "official" video tutorial for the entire 100+ hour process, but several reputable folders have broken it down into parts:
The Ryujin 3.5 features four highly detailed legs, each ending in sharp, individual claws.
A huge sheet is non-negotiable. Kamiya himself recommends a minimum of a . Many successful folders use sheets around 90cm to 2m square . Common papers include large sheets of Kraft paper or double-tissue, and the paper weight should be light (around 50-65gsm) to manage the layers.
Because Satoshi Kamiya has never published step-by-step diagrams for the Ryujin 3.5—only a complex crease pattern (CP)—completing this model requires strategy, patience, and a deep understanding of advanced folding techniques. This comprehensive guide breaks down the preparation, pre-creasing, and collapsing phases required to conquer this mythical beast. 1. Prerequisites: What to Fold First
The base is done. You have a pile of white and red creases that looks vaguely like a dead squid. Now comes the art.
: Many folders follow FoldingPhoenix's multi-part series which covers pre-creasing the scales in meticulous detail. 3. The Collapse (Assembly)
Mastering the Myth: The Ultimate Guide to the Origami Ryujin 3.5