The History of Japanese Dragons
In Japan, like most Asian countries, dragons are an important part of the folklore and religion. Dragon artwork and statues found all over Japan are an example of how well integrated they are within Japanese society. While Japanese dragons are similar to dragons in China and Korea, they have some unique characteristics, including their history.
Origin
Japanese dragons comes from three places: Japan, China and India. The indigenous Japanese dragons are more like giant water snakes than actual dragons.
Chinese dragons influenced the look of Japanese dragons. Also, the Japanese borrowed stories about Chinese dragons and adapted them to their own use, such as the "Four Dragon Kings."
Indian dragons were brought to Japan through China with the arrival of Buddhism. The Naga, a protective rain dragon that looks over the Buddha, now presides over many Buddhist Temples in Japan.
Features
Japanese dragons look like other Asian dragons. They are long and snake-like in a variety of colors with four short legs. They can fly through the air although they have no wings; they have long whiskers on their face like a cat.
Unlike Chinese dragons with have four or five toes, Japanese dragons only have three toes. This is because the Japanese believe dragons originated in Japan and as they migrated farther away they gained toes.
Japanese dragons can often shape-shift into people.
Function
Japanese dragons historically live near water. They are water gods, so their association with water is understandable. Many times they watch over rivers, streams and, of course, the ocean.
Statues of Japanese dragons can be found at most Buddhist Temples in Japan, even now.
Japanese dragons were prayed to for wealth and luck.
Kojiki: Earlist Dragons
Many dragons are mentioned in the "Kojiki," the oldest surviving manuscript about ancient Japan, dated 620 A.D.
Yamata-no-Orochi is an eight-headed snake dragon that is slayed by the wind and sea god Susanoo.
Watatsumi is the God of the Sea who lives in a palace under the ocean where he keeps magical jewels.
Chinese Dragons
Later with the arrival of Chinese travelers, the Japanese adopted some dragon myths from China.
The Azure Dragon is one of the four guardian spirits which protects the ancient capital of Kyoto in the east. It is aided by three other guardian spirits.
Japan also has four dragon kings which watch over the sea, one for each cardinal direction.
Indian Dragons
Finally, with the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, the last wave of dragons influenced Japanese dragon legends.
Hachidai ryūō are the eight dragon kings that assemble around the Buddha to hear him speak.
Kuzuryū is a nine-headed dragon worshiped at Togakushi Shrine.
