- Japanese dragons are legendary creatures in Japanese mythology and folklore. Japanese dragon myths combine native folklore with imported tales about dragons from China, Korea and India.
- Their style and appearance was heavily influenced by the Chinese dragon, especially the three-clawed long dragons which were introduced to Japan from China during ancient times.
- Like these other East Asian dragons, most Japanese ones are water deities or kami associated with rainfall and bodies of water.
- They differ greatly in appearance from European Dragons and are typically depicted as large, wingless, serpentine creatures with clawed feet.