In the Year of the Water Dragon, young merchant’s daughter Kim Jung-won arrives at Naha Harbor, longing to reunite with her beloved Thang.
But when Thang’s fleet vanishes off the shores of Miyako-jima, Jung-won embarks on a perilous journey across storm-tossed seas — and into a world where ancient gods, pirates, and mythical beasts still reign. Guided by the infamous pirate captain Chang Sima, Jung-won must face the Sea Dragon King Ryūjin, battle alongside naga warriors, and confront a darkness older than time itself. Carefully blending historical details of the Ryūkyū Kingdom with rich fantasy, The Sea Dragon of Miyako-jima brings to life a forgotten world where myth and reality intertwine. At its heart, this is a story of fierce courage, the enduring power of love, and a quiet, tender representation of a transgender character — celebrating a bond that defies expectations, time, and even the will of the gods. A lyrical fantasy adventure about bravery, destiny, and the triumph of the heart. ✨ Author’s Note: Inspiration for The Sea Dragon of Miyako-jima ✨ This story grew from a long-standing love for the history and mythology of East and Southeast Asia. During my studies in Japanology, I spent a seminar deeply exploring the myths and legends of the Ryūkyū Islands — a proud kingdom that once flourished before its annexation into Japan. I was especially fascinated by the Ryūkyū Kingdom’s role as the “Venice” of Southeast Asia’s maritime trade routes, as described in George H. Kerr’s Okinawa: The History of an Island People. In 2010, I traveled to Miyako-jima myself. Cycling across the island to Cape Higashi-Hennazaki, I fell in love with its beautiful beaches, the sense of secluded peace, and the ever-present echoes of a rich and ancient culture. There, I encountered the Shīsā — traditional Ryukyuan guardian figures resembling a cross between a lion and a dog, believed to protect against evil. Their silent watchfulness found a natural place in this story’s heart. I wove into the tale not only Okinawan mythology, but also figures from Japanese legends — such as Ryūjin, the Sea Dragon King, ruler of the western seas, and his daughter Toyotama-hime, a goddess and princess of the ocean. The Sea Dragon of Miyako-jima also blends elements of Chinese, Korean (Joseon), Japanese, Ryukyuan, and Indian mythology. The naga warriors in the story are inspired by Indian mythology, where nāga are ancient serpent beings, protectors and symbols of power and wisdom. Finally, this story carries a personal truth close to my heart: the quiet inclusion of queer love, inspired by my own feelings about the world and by the dear people around me. I believe that love knows no boundaries — not of gender, culture, or destiny. Love is love. Thank you for journeying with me across these stormy seas, and into a world where gods still dream and hearts still dare. 🌊 — M.A. Reymond