Protection, bountiful harvests

Long revered as a sacred, spiritual beast, dragons appear in a variety of ornaments and have been cherished as symbols of power, appearing on the insignia of emperors who have established unquestioned authority. In Japan, they have also been worshiped as deities of water who bring the blessings of rain in times of drought. There is a very well-known legend of the famed Buddhist monk Kukai praying for rain at Shinsen-en Garden, summoning the dragon king Zennyo who brought down rains all across Japan. Even now, the dragon faith remains strong.

Description by Karakamishi Toto Akihiko