Takasaki Daruma
Takasaki Daruma is a traditional Japanese doll that originates from Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture. These dolls are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and are typically made of papier-mâché. They are known for their round shape and weighted bottom, allowing them to return to an upright position when tilted, symbolizing resilience and perseverance.
The dolls are often painted in bright colors, with the most common being red, which represents good luck and fortune. Takasaki Daruma dolls are usually sold with blank eyes, and owners fill in one eye when setting a goal, completing the other eye when the goal is achieved, making them popular for personal motivation.