When one goes to Japan, they cannot miss this oblong red figure in every shop, nook, and cranny of the Asian country. From fridge magnets to keychains, this doll is Japan’s most famous souvenir, also called the Daruma doll. Presented to PM Modi on his visit to Japan, it has since gone viral on social media. But what does it really stand for?
Huge white eyes, painted face, and golden embellishments, this red Japanese doll was presented to the Indian Prime Minister by eishi Hirose, the chief priest at the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple.
Significance of the Daruma Doll
The Daruma Doll is considered a symbol of good fortune and meant to bring prosperity. The round scowling expressions represent Bodhidharma, the fifth-century monk, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Daruma or Bodhidharma is said to have meditated for nearly nine years without moving, which caused his arms and legs to atrophy and fall off. Thus, the Daruma doll’s shape is with just a head and torso, without limbs.
Daruma dolls also signify perseverance, a key principle of Zen Buddhism, urges followers that the answers are already inside you. Marco Fasano, an Italian tour guide, told CNN that, “It’s not something that comes suddenly as a gift, but it’s something that you need to work on diligently and find in yourself.”
What does a Daruma doll look like?
Rumoured to have a wide-eyed stare because Bodhidharma reportedly cut-off his eyelids, the Daruma doll holds a key spot in Japanese culture. Painted with gold kanji beneath its eyes, it is also called ‘fuku-iri’. This directly translates to ‘bringing luck’.
#WATCH | Tokyo | Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple presents Daruma Doll to PM Modi
(Video source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/m4alaRQBMZ
— ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025
The face of the Daruma doll also features several mythical Japanese animals like the crane and turtle, which have repeatedly appeared in tales. While the crane signifies good fortune and longevity, the turtle stands for protection. Both animals, in Japanese myths, are believed to live for centuries. Overall, they are believed to invite health, long life, protection, and well-being.
While red is the most common colour for Daruma dolls, it also comes in different colours. While the red came after the fatal smallpox outbreak in Asia, Doruma dolls are also painted in yellow (for security) and white (for love and harmony).
How to make a wish with Daruma doll?
Daruma dolls signify good luck, peace, and prosperity, and it is not simply a good luck charm that works from a shelf. There is a proper process to make it work for you. A Daruma doll holder is expected to paint the first eye on the doll, symbolically giving it a soul. Only then can you use the luck to make your wish come true. Once the wish does come true, the owner is expected to pencil in the second eye.
Some even believe that the good luck powers only work for one year and the owner is expected to burn it. The ritual signifies to free the god inside with a ceremony called Daruma kuyo or dondoyaki.
