Explained: Daruma Doll Gifted to PM Modi in Japan and Its Meaning

During his two-day visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a Daruma doll, a traditional Japanese symbol of perseverance and good fortune. The gift was offered by the chief priest of Shorinzan-Daruma-ji Temple, a site deeply associated with the origin of the doll.

What is a Daruma Doll?
The Daruma doll is a hollow, round, and brightly painted figure modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Its unique weighted design ensures that it always returns upright when knocked over, symbolizing resilience and the proverb “Nanakorobi yaoki”—fall down seven times, get up eight.

The doll is also tied to goal-setting rituals in Japan. It traditionally has two blank white eyes. When someone sets a goal or makes a wish, they fill in one eye, and the second eye is completed only when the goal is achieved, turning the doll into a personal symbol of commitment.

Cultural Significance
The practice originated at Shorinzan Temple in Takasaki, north of Tokyo, where pilgrims have received these dolls for centuries as tokens of hope, prosperity, and protection from misfortune. Over time, the Daruma became a symbol of success in business, politics, and personal life.

The annual Daruma Doll Festival (Daruma-ichi) in Takasaki continues this tradition, attracting thousands who purchase dolls, set intentions, and return old ones in gratitude.

Why Was It Given to PM Modi?
By gifting a Daruma doll, Japan extended a gesture of goodwill and a symbolic blessing to Prime Minister Modi—wishing him resilience in leadership and success in strengthening India-Japan ties. In Japanese culture, presenting a Daruma reflects faith in someone’s determination to achieve their aspirations, making this a culturally rich and meaningful exchange.