DarumaA Daruma is a papier-mâché doll that serves as a kind of good luck charm. Because the body symbolises a samurai warrior without arms and legs (a by-product of fearless fighting), the commercial arm of religion encourages the idea for young people to be brave – this approach is no different from the man-in-a-red-suit calling “ho-ho-ho” to encourage kindness.
The idea of the Daruma doll is largely target-setting and completion. One paints one eye black at the start of an achievable, but difficult job (a big one obviously, like “getting the deposit for your first house together”). The second eye is painted black when the target has been reached, e.g. the new house. At that stage the doll is taken to the temple and ceremoniously burnt. Onto the next challenge!
Let the bonfire begin!
Daruma
Daruma
Daruma
Mum would make one, or an older sister would make one to encourage a younger child – examination results…
Daruma
Daruma
Daruma
Daruma
The store wants to be a hit with its customers.
Daruma
Daruma
Daruma
A specialist market stall takes the effort out of papier-mâché making for you – more energy for achieving that special target.
It’s always a good idea to have a few “targets” in the sewing box for when the children grow up.
Wow, a big ambition!
Big ambition, big Daruma.
Daruma
Daruma
The bonfire is mine! Mine alone! Yeah!
Daruma
Shōrinzan Daruma-ji, Takasaki
Takasaki is the Daruma City in Japan
Daruma
What’s your wish?
Daruma
Daruma
Lami Japan 