I wanted to save the two most common cultures that are thought of when most people think of dragons, Japanese and Chinese. I chose to do these two left because I wanted to explore the more different cultures that I personally haven’t heard more about. So now I’m a little excited to look into these two cultures. I am going to do this blog post about the Japanese aspects and my last blog post will be about the Chinese ones.

Background Information

There are four divine creatures in Japanese mythology and these creatures are one of them. Japanese dragons are usually associated with being connected to the sea. They have three toes like the one in the image above. It is believed that the further dragons traveled away from Japan the more toes they grew. Their bodies are serpent-like and they fly less than other dragons. The abilities include being able to shapeshift into a human being. Japanese dragons are often seen battling with other gods and often help make heroes. They represent strength, wisdom, and success.

The source YABAI Writers included a list of what different body parts of dragons represent in this culture and I really wanted to share it with you the readers.

  • Ouroboros – symbolizes the cycle of life
  • A Sleeping Dragon – symbolizes a hidden power or strength that comes out when needed
  • A Gothic Dragon – symbolizes the primal instincts of man, i.e. fearlessness
  • A Tribal Dragon – symbolizes a deep connection with the culture of the tribe where the design originated from
  • A Rising Dragon – symbolizes progress and ascension
  • A Yin-Yang Dragon – symbolizes the proper balance of forces
  • A Dragon and Snake – symbolizes the conflicting ideas of superstition and science
  • A Dragon and Tiger – symbolizes the importance of having brains over brawns
  • A Dragon Claw – symbolizes fearlessness and power
  • A Dragon Skull – symbolizes that a difficulty has been conquered
  • A Dragon and Moon – symbolizes the connection of the sub-consciousness and nature
  • A Flaming Dragon – symbolizes passion, power, and sexual desires

– Source: http://yabai.com/p/2516

Watatsumi /Ryu Jin

I wanted to talk about one specific dragon like I have done in previous posts so I chose the dragon that interested me the most. The dragon I have chosen has different names which are Watatsumi, Ryu Jin, and Ryo Wo. He is considered the king of the dragons who lives in the sea and is the god of water. The physical appearance of Ryu Jin was a human body with a crown that has a serpent wrapped around it. Ryu Jin’s palace located under the sea is called Ryugo-jo and made of crystal and coral. He is the protector and guardian of the Shinto religion, which is Japan’s traditional religion. Ryu Jin is known for his wisdom and nobility. If someone was to fall into the sea Ryu Jin would save them and bring them to his kingdom to live there.

I wanted to include a short story that was included in one of my sources. I think that this story shows Ryu Jin’s wisdom. 

"One story in the Kojiki tells of how a man named Hoori lost his brother’s fish hook in the sea and, while searching for it, met Otohime, a daughter of Watatsumi. Hoori and the dragon goddess soon got married and lived in Ryugo-jo.
After three years, Hoori started feeling homesick and wanted to live on land, again, but was afraid of facing his brother without his fish hook. Watatsumi confronted Hoori about what was bothering him and upon hearing his concerns, the water god summoned all the fishes of the sea to ask if any of them had seen the fish hook.
Fortuitously, one of the fishes did come across the fish hook and had it stuck in its throat. It was obtained, washed, and given to Hoori.
Watatsumi then instructed Hoori to take Otohime back with him up to the lands using a wani, another mythical dragon best described to be a sea monster/creature."
 - YABAI Writers
Source: http://yabai.com/p/2516
Sources that I used:

http://yabai.com/p/2516 (the link for the photo as well)

Japanese Dragons