Indo-Japanese relations strengthened as Prime Minister Modi bestowed a Daruma doll during his trip to Japan, emblematic of continued mutual respect and cooperation.

In a significant cultural exchange between Japan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a traditional Daruma doll during the closing ceremony of his two-day visit to Japan on August 29, 2025. The Daruma doll, a symbol of commitment and perseverance in Japan, was presented by Rev. Seishi Hirose, the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, Gunma.

The Daruma doll, with its origins traced back to the Indian monk Bodhidharma, has been a significant part of Japan's cultural heritage since the 17th century. The doll, traditionally crafted in Takasaki, takes much of its form from Japanese pop culture, including festivals and recent Pokémon character designs.

The Daruma doll is often adorned with symbols of cranes and oriental turtles, representing longevity. One of the most distinctive features of the Daruma doll is that owners paint one eye when they set a goal and paint the second eye when they fulfill that goal. This makes the Daruma doll an ideal symbol for goal-setting rituals in Japan.

The most common colour for Daruma dolls is red, as it symbolizes luck and protection. Millions of participants engage in Daruma Kuyo ceremonies annually in Japan, a testament to the doll's significance in Japanese culture.

The Daruma doll, with its unique design and symbolism, is a distinct symbol of cultural exchange between Japan and India. The presentation of the Daruma doll to Prime Minister Modi is a laudable expression of Japan's reverence for India's spiritual heritage.

The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Japan's former Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and Yoshihide Suga also discussed matters related to technology, trade, and the semiconductor industries. The discussion also touched upon the matters of COVID-19 and the World Daruma Challenge 2025 of Japan, a global unity initiative coinciding with the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The Daruma doll, unembodied without arms or legs, embodies the Japanese proverb Nanakorobi yaoki, meaning, to fall seven times to stand up eight. This symbolism of perseverance makes the Daruma doll a powerful symbol of resilience and determination.

In conclusion, the presentation of the Daruma doll to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is another episode of cultural intermingling between Japan and India. The Daruma doll, with its rich history and symbolism, serves as a "living marker of commitment" and a symbol of perseverance, bridging the cultural gap between the two nations.

Indo-Japanese relations strengthened as Prime Minister Modi bestowed a Daruma doll during his trip to Japan, emblematic of continued mutual respect and cooperation.