Indian Prime Minister Modi Presents a Daruma Doll in Japan, Emblematic of Indo-Japan Relationship

In a symbolic gesture of respect for the past and a commitment to the future of the India-Japan partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a unique gift during his visit to Japan in 2025. The Daruma Doll, a cherished emblem of Zen persistence and a physical embodiment of the Japanese proverb, "Nanakorobi yaoki," meaning, "to fall seven times to stand up eight," was presented to him.

This traditional doll, crafted in Takasaki since the 17th century, has its origins traced back to the civilizational legacy of India, based on Bodhidharma, an Indian monk. The Daruma Doll's story demonstrates Bodhidharma meditatively losing his limbs, symbolizing perseverance and resilience.

The Daruma Doll gifted to Prime Minister Modi was presented during the closing ceremony of his two-day visit by the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple's Chief Priest Seishi Hirose. The meeting with the former prime ministers, Fumio Kishida and Yoshihide Suga, was to discuss matters related to COVID-19 and the World Daruma Challenge 2025 of Japan, a global unity initiative that coincides with the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The Daruma Doll's presentation to Prime Minister Modi also marked a significant moment in the intertwining of strategies for facing global challenges from both within and without. The meeting with the Japanese politician Shigeru Ishiba during the visit further delved into topics including technology, trade, and semiconductor industries.

The Daruma Doll, traditionally red and featuring symbols of cranes and oriental turtles for longevity, is not just a symbol of perseverance and good luck. It is also used in goal-setting rituals and serves as a "living marker of commitment." The weighted bottom of the doll makes it resistant when someone tries to push it down, causing it to stand upright, representing the doll's symbolic meaning of overcoming obstacles.

The Daruma Doll, with its roots in Japanese pop culture, including festivals and recent Pokémon character designs, has become a distinct symbol of cultural exchange. Millions of participants engage in Daruma Kuyo ceremonies annually, returning the dolls to local temples for ritual burning.

The Daruma Doll gifted to Prime Minister Modi expresses Japan's reverence for India's spiritual heritage, further strengthening the bond between the two nations. This gift serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values between India and Japan, standing as a symbol of their mutual resilience and perseverance in the face of global challenges.

Indian Prime Minister Modi Presents a Daruma Doll in Japan, Emblematic of Indo-Japan Relationship