Koi or Dragon?

George Bardadim • 3 October 2023

Swimming upstream

In irezumi (traditional Japanese tattooing), the design of a koi fish transforming into a dragon is a powerful symbol derived from an ancient Chinese tale. This legend tells the story of a koi fish swimming upstream, overcoming immense challenges, and eventually transforming into a majestic dragon. This transformation represents perseverance, strength, and the reward of enduring hardship. The journey from koi to dragon symbolizes the process of inner transformation, a theme deeply rooted in both Japanese art and Zen philosophy.

Koi or Dragon?

However, when selecting a design for an irezumi tattoo, it’s often more impactful to focus on either the  koi fish or the  dragon individually, as each represents a crucial stage in this journey. Highlighting just one of these creatures allows the tattoo to emphasize the most important part of the story—whether it’s the struggle (koi) or the triumph (dragon).

A black and brown tattoo on a person 's leg
A man has a tattoo on his arm and chest.
A man with a full sleeve tattoo on his arm.
A black and white tattoo of a fish and flowers on a man 's arm
A man has a tattoo of a lotus flower and a fish on his shoulder.
A man has a tattoo of a fish and flowers on his shoulder
A man has a full sleeve tattoo of a dragon on his arm.
A man has a full sleeve tattoo of a dragon on his arm
A man has a full sleeve tattoo of clouds on his arm.
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Koi-Dragon

For those who wish to illustrate the transformation process itself, the ryuugyo (dragon fish) is an ideal choice. The ryuugyo symbolizes the transitional state and connects deeply with Zen philosophy, where it represents the human mind’s journey towards enlightenment. This metaphor of transformation is not only a visual statement but also a spiritual one, making the ryuugyo a powerful representation of personal growth and spiritual evolution in irezumi designs.

A shirtless man with a colorful tattoo on his arm and shoulder.
A man with a tattoo on his arm and back.
A man with a tattoo on his arm and back.
A man with a colorful tattoo on his arm and back.
A man has a colorful tattoo on his arm and shoulder.
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Color Symbolism

F.A.Q.

Simplicity is more powerful


The design of a koi fish transforming into a dragon in irezumi symbolizes perseverance, strength, and reward in the face of hardship. While both creatures represent important stages in the journey, focusing on either the koi or the dragon individually can have a more impactful effect in a tattoo design. The ryuugyo, or dragon fish, is a symbol of the transformation process and connects deeply with Zen philosophy, representing personal growth and spiritual evolution.

Let the Way flow onward:

from The Symbolic Way

“Symbols speak where words fall silent.”

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