Rev Seshi Hirosa, the chief priest of the Shorinjan Daruma-Ji Temple in Tokyo, presented a Daruma doll to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, a traditional Japanese doll symbolizing good luck. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Japan, during which he will also attend the 15th India-Japan annual summit. In Japanese culture it is considered a symbol of perseverance, renewal and spiritual concentration. It is also associated with a particular Japanese idiom, which means, ‘Gall seven times, get up eight times’. Actually, the design of this doll is such that it always stands up straight when it is pushed from the bottom.
What is a daruma doll?
Daruma doll is a hollow, round, Japanese doll built on the basis of Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism.
These dolls, although it is usually red in color and reflects Indian monks Bodhidharma, but their color and design varies a lot on the basis of the region and artist.
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What is the significance of this?
It is believed that these dolls bring good luck and the Japanese saying fall seven times, make up eight times.
Traditionally, Japanese people color one eye before set any goal.
The second eye remains empty until the target is met. This reminds you of constantly trying to achieve your goal.
Prime Minister Modi met former Prime Ministers of Japan
Earlier, Modi met former Japanese Prime Ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. Modi said that he discussed measures to further strengthen India-Japan cooperation with former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
#WATCH | Tokyo | Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple presents Daruma Doll to PM Modi
(Video source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/m4alaRQBMZ
– years (@ani) August 29, 2025