Dear to the hearts of the Japanese people, Daruma reflects their determined spirit and peaceful outlook on life. Daruma’s Zen roots go back 1500 years, to Bodhidharma, credited with establishing Chan Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan. The traditional Daruma doll represents the silhouette of Bodhidharma in deep meditation, sitting in the customary zazen position. The zazen posture is one with the legs folded under the body, and the meditation involves clearing the mind of distracting thoughts to achieve a mental state which is totally free from trouble, in an attempt to recognize the truth by mental concentration.
Contrary to popular belief, a Daruma doll does have arms and legs, and the legend that his arms and legs shrivelled off when in deep meditation, is just that, legend.
Daruma is closely associated with a beloved Japanese proverb, nana korobi yaoki, which states, “Fall down seven times, get up eight”. The Daruma doll's unique rounded shape allows it to return to its original position even if knocked over, representing such persistence. Daruma reminds us all to never give up on our aspirations.
Most of the Darumas made in Japan are produced in the Takasaki region of South West Japan. It began in the late 17th century as a relief measure for farmers who were suffering from famine. The story is that the Daruma Temple instructed farm households to make dolls from papier mache as a way of earning extra income. Many politicians, at the beginning of an election period, will buy a Daruma doll, paint in one eye, and then, if they win the election, paint in the other eye. At year end, it is customary to take the Daruma doll to a temple, where it is burned in a massive bonfire.






Pablo Kuntz is the founder of Unique Japan, the company behind WE LOVE DARUMA, and Japan's newest character sensation, The Daruma Kids. Pablo has been a passionate fan of the Daruma doll for more than 15 years, during which time has presented them as gifts to family and friends.
The brand's registered trademark is a heart placed on the back of the Daruma. This is to symbolize goodwill to society, as a portion of each Daruma doll sold goes to a recognized charity.
Inspired by the traditional Daruma doll and his own energetic daughter, Pablo and the team at Unique Japan developed its own character brand called the Daruma Kids. The Daruma Kids are five colourful and energetic friends (Blaze, Carly, Rich, Ollie and Dharma) that champion principles such as goal-setting, learning, perseverance, and charity. Based on the overwhelming interest in the Daruma Kids, Unique Japan has plans to further develop this brand into both Japanese and foreign markets.