Does Japan believe in dragons? 🐲
Have you ever wondered about the mythical creatures that inspired the vibrant art and culture of Japan?
Japanese sea-dragon, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Among many other fascinating elements, the country's rich heritage is intertwined with the magical allure of dragons. Japan and dragons have a long history, with these legendary creatures revered as symbols of good fortune, power, and wisdom, and continue to captivate our imagination to this day.
The Japanese dragon, or ryu/tatsu, makes its first appearance in Japanese mythology as far back as 680 A.D. It's believed to be the ancestor of Japan's first emperor, giving it great importance as a symbol for the emperor, making it highly respected and revered in Japanese society.
Japanese dragon, by Hokusai
In Japanese mythology surrounding dragons, one popular legend tells of the dragon king who lived in a pond at Shinzen'en, the Imperial Garden of Kyoto. During droughts in ancient times, Buddhist monks would hold ceremonies there to implore the dragon king to rise and bring rain. It's perhaps why dragons are often associated with rainfall and have full control over a bountiful harvest, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
Another fascinating belief is that dragons have the magical ability to transform into any shape and size, making them shapeshifters, appearing in many dramatic and fantastic forms 🐲
We are celebrating the history of Japanese dragons with the release of a brand new Kimono Jacket called "The Great Dragon Yukata"!
Shop now on our website and experience the magic of Japanese dragons every time you wear your kimono jacket!