Products DNA
The Daruma is a traditional Japanese doll, which in Japan has become a symbol of perseverance and luck. The Daruma is indeed one of the symbols of Japan. It makes sense to take home with you and give it as a present, or display it on a shelf. In addition, everything about the Daruma’s design has deep roots and meaning, down to the most minute details, making this doll much more than a simple household item.
The reasons behind the choice of the color of the Daruma are interesting. Nowadays we can find these dolls decorated in all sorts of colors, each one of them signifying a different auspice. For example, in Japan, the color gold is linked to money and fame; black is meant to ward off bad luck; green symbolizes heath and fitness. One thing that is certain, though, is that to this day the common color used for the Daruma is red, and originally it was the only color.
About The Company
About Imai Naya
It has been 90 years since the company was founded in Kamitoyookamachi, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, which is the number one producer of Daruma dolls in Japan. Using traditional handmade techniques and eco-friendly raw materials, they will inherit the tradition of “Takasaki Daruma” to the present and pass it on to the future. Their original “Designer’s Daruma” has been highly evaluated at domestic and international competitions.
The history of the Daruma dates back to the 17th Century. It was local farmers in the city of Takasaki, in the Gunma prefecture, that crafted the first version of these dolls, as charms to be blessed by monks. Since the farmers’ livelihood depended heavily on luck, they devised this superstitious trick to help them in their harvest. In the span of a few decades the practice of using the Daruma spread across professions and regions.
As often tradition goes, the history and origin of the Daruma doesn’t carry the same weight it used to. Its colors are not the only thing that has changed. One of the biggest changes that occurred is that of its representation as female dolls, the so-called Princess Daruma, and Lady Daruma.
At Imai Daruma store NAYA, they will continue the tradition of “Takasaki Daruma” to the present and pass it on to the future, using traditional handmade techniques and eco-friendly raw materials. Each one is handmade, and they have put the skill and pride of a craftsman into a daruma doll. You can keep it forever as a lucky charm for fulfill the wish of everyone. Please enjoy Daruma dolls, which is a fusion of tradition and innovation.
