dragon, imperial
竜 centers on the mythical dragon, a powerful and majestic creature. The imperial sense extends naturally from the dragon's traditional association with sovereignty and authority.
竜 is a simplified form of 龍, the traditional dragon character. The older form is a pictograph of a dragon with a head, body, and tail. The modern 竜 retains the top 立 and a stylized lower body with 田 and a tail stroke.
The top 立 looks like a dragon's crest or horns, and the lower part with 田 and a curved tail suggests its scaly body. Together, 竜 is a dragon, a symbol of imperial power.
For リュウ, imagine a dragon named Ryu breathing fire: Ryu -> リュウ, the dragon's roar echoing through the imperial palace.
dragon (esp. a Chinese dragon)
dinosaur
tornado; whirlwind; waterspout; twister
Dragon King
mole (Talpidae spp., esp. the small Japanese mole, Mogera imaizumii)
dragon god; dragon king
splendid horse
deva and naga
rain dragon; mythical beast with yellowish green skin and red tail
gateway to success
rising dragon; great dash
gentian (Gentiana scabra var. buergeri); autumn bellflower
Palace of the Dragon King; palace from the story of Urashima Tarō (said to be located at the bottom of the sea)
seahorse; sea horse
crown (of a watch); stem
one-eyed hero
keel (of a ship)
agave; maguey
king of herrings (Regalecus glesne); oarfish; ribbonfish
nine-headed dragon