Daruma【Takeuchi】
A Daruma is a traditional Japanese good-luck doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the monk regarded as the founder of Zen Buddhism.
Its round shape, which allows it to stand up again when pushed over, symbolizes perseverance and the pursuit of goals.
In Japan, it is commonly used as a charm for making wishes or setting personal goals: one eye is filled in when the wish is made, and the other is completed once the goal has been achieved.
The Takasaki Daruma is a traditional Japanese good-luck charm. Its design carries auspicious meanings: the eyebrows resemble cranes and the mustache and beard resemble turtles, both symbols of longevity and prosperity in Japan.Also known as “Fuku Daruma” (Lucky Daruma) or “Engi Daruma” (Auspicious Daruma), it represents the spirit of “Nanakorobi Yaoki” – fall seven times, stand up eight. Its rounded, weighted shape always returns upright, symbolizing perseverance, resilience, and the determination to overcome challenges.
Founded in 1937, we continue to preserve the traditional craft of Takasaki Daruma.
In Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture—where this tradition has been passed down for generations—each Daruma is carefully handcrafted one by one while honoring the techniques of this historic craft.
One of the most distinctive features of Takasaki Daruma is its gentle facial expression, which sets it apart from many other Daruma.
Despite its bold mustache and strong brush strokes, the face has a calm and warm appearance that fits naturally into everyday life. The gold decoration around the face, unique to Takasaki Daruma, also reflects the beauty of this long-standing Japanese tradition.
Each Daruma face is carefully hand-painted by skilled artisans.
Even the mustache painting alone takes time—about 15 pieces per hour.
From the first step to completion, each Daruma is crafted over 2 to 3 days.
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With the motto “Making ‘Arigatou’ a word understood around the world,” we create and offer simple designs inspired by Japanese aesthetics.
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