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Keeping an eye on your dreams


WE LOVE DARUMA is Japan's most trusted brand bringing the positive energy of Daruma to the world. Daruma is a traditional Japanese wishing doll that helps us to achieve our dreams and aspirations. It is a centuries-old tradition that is positive, motivational, and fun. Here are the five simple steps to using a Daruma doll.

STEP 1 - Decide on a GOAL you ASPIRE to ACHIEVE. Daruma dolls come in five colours according to the type of aspiration.

STEP 2 - DRAW one of Daruma's blank eyes (either eye is appropriate) to signify your COMMITMENT to your goal.

STEP 3 - Daruma motivates you to remain FOCUSED on your goal. Daruma keeps an eye on your dreams.

STEP 4 - Once you've achieved your goal, draw in Daruma's other eye.

STEP 5 - CONGRATULATIONS!
Daruma Background

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.


The five colours our Daruma dolls represent different types of aspirations. Generally speaking, the LARGER the Daruma doll, the BIGGER the aspiration. Shop our Daruma dolls here.

Red is for luck and good fortune.
Purple is for health and longevity.
Yellow is for security and protection.
Gold is for wealth and prosperity.
White is for love and harmony.






(Left) WE LOVE DARUMA family shot!
(Above) Daruma dolls carefully being packed and a close up view of our popular Mini Daruma dolls.



Watch this interesting video clip below that shows how our traditional Daruma dolls in Takasaki are made.


WE LOVE DARUMA
Brought to you by Unique Japan
Our mission and purpose at Unique Japan is simple:
‘To be a unique source of inspiration and joy.’

WE LOVE DARUMA is an inspirational brand derived from the Japanese traditional Daruma doll that encourages goal setting to achieve personal aspirations. All of the products at Unique Japan (or ‘UJ’ as it is commonly known) demonstrate the highest respect and appreciation for Japanese tradition, hands-on skills, craftsmanship, and culture. What sets them apart is the significance they all exude; each one has a story to tell, a special message to convey.

Please visit our website for a truly authentic Japanese shopping experience unlike any other.