Ryujin: the name refers to the dragon god of the sea in Japanese mythology. It conjures an image of a vivid, serpentine monster, rendered in arresting colours even as it exudes menace and danger.
“In the West, dragons are dark and villainous,” explains Ryoji Shinomoto, singer and guitarist with self-proclaimed ‘samurai metal’ warriors Ryujin, who named his band after the deity in question.
“In the East, dragons are auspicious and peaceful. The dragon god is considered the god of water, and Japan is surrounded by the sea. Because of the proximity of oceans and mountains, he exists as a god of nature as well. The basis of my music is nature worship and a wish for peace. That’s why the name Ryujin fits so well.”