PM Modi received a Daruma doll as a gift in Japan. Know what the Indian connection is and why it is special for the Japanese?

PM Narendra Modi was presented a Daruma doll at the Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple during his Japan visit. Daruma is a cultural symbol of Japan which is considered a symbol of patience and good luck. It is related to the Indian monk Bodhidharma, who is called Daruma Daishi in Japan. PM Modi said in Tokyo that India and Japan together will give direction to stability and development in the Asian century.

PM Modi Receives Daruma Doll: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented a Daruma doll by the priest of Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple during his visit on Friday. This doll is considered a cultural identity of Japan and a popular souvenir. It is based on Bodhidharma, who was the founder of Zen Buddhism. It is a symbol of patience, determination, and good luck.

PM Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday morning. This two-day visit is taking place at a time when tensions are being seen between India and America over President Donald Trump's trade and tariff policies. Addressing a business forum in Tokyo, PM Modi said that India and Japan will together build the Asian century, which will bring stability, growth, and prosperity. He said that Japan's excellence and India's scale can together create a perfect partnership.

VIDEO | Tokyo: PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) is presented with a Daruma doll by the priest at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple.

The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman symbolizing perseverance and good luck, often used to set and achieve personal or professional goals.… pic.twitter.com/zfjlPtnAdu

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

Importance of the Daruma Doll

Daruma is an iconic cultural symbol of Japan. It is considered a symbol of good luck and perseverance. Traditionally, it is used to represent setting goals and achieving them. When a person sets a goal, one eye of the doll is painted, and when that goal is reached, the other eye is filled in. Its round shape allows it to stand upright even after falling repeatedly, which symbolizes perseverance and reflects the proverb 'fall seven times, get up eight'.

Daruma and India's connection

The Daruma doll is also related to India. It is inspired by Bodhidharma, who was a monk from Kanchipuram in India and is revered in Japan as Daruma Daishi. According to tradition, Bodhidharma meditated continuously facing the wall for nine years. That is why Daruma dolls are made without hands, legs, and eyes, which reminds of his penance and renunciation.

Presentation of cultural icons

The gift of this cultural symbol of Japan to Prime Minister Modi also reflects the historical and spiritual bond between India and Japan. This relationship between the two countries is not only limited to trade and development, but is also deeply connected with cultural and spiritual traditions.

PC:TheIndiaDaily