tatsu

dragon

In China, the dragon is one of the Four Sacred Creatures that represents the east. It also symbolizes female aspects of yin-yang as well as the religion Buddhism. Dragons are associated with water (especially rain and rivers) as well. Japan adopted the symbolism of the dragon developed by the Chinese. Chinese and Japanese dragons do not have wings like European dragons do. They typically have horns, whiskers, and claws.

Symbols of Japan: Thematic Motifs in Art and Design
Merrily Baird