Kyoto: The City Where Dragons Reside / Dragons in Japan (Dragon Worship)

[Kyoto, the City where Dragon Gods Reside]

~"Kyoto" is a 1,000-year-old capital where dragons reside~

In Kyoto, where the atelier (studio) where Kyoto One-Stroke Dragons are painted is located, it is believed that dragons, imaginary beings, have been receiving people's prayers and protecting the city from disaster for over 1,000 years, more than anywhere else in Japan. Kyoto has long been believed to possess the power of dragon gods residing in "ryuketsu" (dragon's holes/power spots) and "ryumyaku" (dragon's veins/geomantic lines), and there are many shrines and temples associated with dragons. The custom of visiting dragon god shrines and temples has been actively practiced from ancient times to the present day.

[Dragons in Japan (Dragon God Faith)]

The Japanese archipelago is said to resemble the form of a dragon, and since ancient times, Japan has been considered a mystical country where dragons reside. There is a theory that the origin of the character "龍" (dragon) is a written representation of its awe-inspiring appearance, with a long, scaled body writhing. In Japan, dragons possess exceptional intelligence and powerful abilities, and are revered as messengers of gods or even as gods themselves.
Additionally, there are many shrines, temples, and sacred sites associated with dragons, where dragon gods are enshrined and paintings such as cloud dragons and one-stroke dragons are displayed. Since ancient times, dragon gods have been revered and worshipped, and are considered symbols of "prosperity" and "protection".

[Various Theories and Examples of Benefits/Blessings in Mythology, History, Legends, and Origins (including reasons)]

◆Dragons symbolize fertile land, imperial power, creativity, etc., and are guardians of hidden treasures (wisdom, happiness, longevity).
◆As powerful flying spirit beasts, they have long been symbols of "rising fortune" and "vitality".
◆Dragons have been symbols of longevity and prosperity since ancient times; their long lives and graceful movements remind people of a happy life, and those who possess dragon imagery are believed to bring good fortune and success.
◆In ancient legends, dragons are symbols of the fulfillment of great wishes and success; those who symbolize dragons open the way to achieving their desires and success.
◆Ascending dragons signify rise, and descending dragons deliver happiness.
*The wish-fulfilling jewel held by Kyoto One-Stroke Dragons is said to grant various wishes.
●Financial fortune improvement: Dragon gods are believed to guard treasures and bring benefits for financial luck, business prosperity, company growth, and development.
●Good fortune and improved luck: The power and mysterious nature of dragon gods are believed to improve one's luck and grant the strength to overcome difficulties. Faith in dragon gods is said to bring mental stability. The energy of dragon gods provides peace and calm to believers, helping them maintain mental serenity even in chaotic or difficult situations.
●Health and longevity: Dragon gods are also symbols of vitality and are worshipped when praying for health and longevity.
●Matchmaking and family safety: Dragon gods also bestow blessings upon those who wish for family well-being, marital harmony, and good relationships.
●Blessings of water: Dragon gods are deities of water and are believed to have the power to quell droughts and floods. Therefore, they are often enshrined for agriculture, fishing, and rain prayers.
Furthermore, deepening one's connection with nature through faith in dragon gods can foster a sense of gratitude for the natural environment.

[Dragons and the Japanese Soul]

It is said that the "thunder" and "lightning" that occur when a dragon descends bring rain that blesses rice, and the electricity from the heavens rapidly reduces oxidation in the air, purifying it.
A stronger form of "thunder" is called "inazuma" (lightning), which is written as "rice" + "wife," and has long been considered an indispensable element for rice. Rice thereby receives heavenly energy. Indeed, it seems that the phenomenon of abundant harvests when there is much thunder in summer is attributed to this. It is the "dragon" that visits across time and space that brings this vital "thunder" and "lightning." This is why One-Stroke Dragon artist Keisuke Teshima often depicts lightning and splashing water in his one-stroke dragon paintings.
The character "和" (wa), representing Japan, is written with the "ine-hen" (rice stalk radical) and "kuchi" (mouth), representing a people who eat rice. Also, the Golden Land ZIPANG was named after the color of rice ears. The skin color of people of yellow race is also said to be the color of rice. Rice is the soul of the Japanese people, their DNA, and their life. Therefore, dragons, who cultivate rice, which is also the root of the Japanese people, have continued to exist as dragon gods deep within the hearts of many people as a precious and important good luck charm since ancient times.

Regarding the myths, traditions, history, legends, origins (including reasons), customs, and benefits/blessings mentioned above, there are numerous theories and alternative interpretations. Among them, we are providing the content supervised by our office and collaborating parties. We humbly ask for your understanding should there be any differences in meaning or interpretation.