What is a daruma doll and why paint one eye?

Learn what a daruma doll represents, how the one-eye wish ritual works, why the doll always rights itself, and where visitors can see them in Takasaki.

Published October 20, 2026 at 9:24 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A daruma is a round, usually red Japanese doll modeled on Bodhidharma, the monk traditionally linked to Zen. It is sold with both eyes blank. The owner paints in one eye while making a wish or setting a goal, then paints the second eye when the goal is achieved. Customs differ slightly between households and temples.

What a daruma doll is

A daruma is a hollow, rounded doll that looks like a bearded figure with a stern expression and blank white eyes. It is based on Bodhidharma, called Daruma in Japanese, a Buddhist monk traditionally credited with bringing Zen to China. Britannica notes that most accounts of his life are legendary and early historical sources are scarce, so the doll is best understood as a symbol rather than a portrait.

Wikipedia explains that the doll serves as a reminder of a goal or a big task, and that it is traditionally red, though the page says the reason is not certain and may relate to priests' robes. Other colors exist, including gold for financial luck and sets of several colors. The result is a friendly, round good-luck charm found in homes, shops and offices, and many travelers recognize it before they know its name.

Sizes range from a tiny desk charm to large display figures, and some are decorated with a name or a wish written on them. A seller can usually explain which size suits a desk, a shelf or a suitcase.

Why one eye is painted first

Daruma are sold with both eyes unpainted. According to Wikipedia, the owner sets a goal, paints in the left eye, and fills in the right eye once the goal is achieved. The phrase "both eyes open" is used for a realized goal. Traditionally the head of the household painted the eyes, though customs vary by family and place.

The one-eyed doll keeps a goal in view. Each time it is noticed on a shelf, it recalls the unfinished task, which can be a gentle motivation for a student, a new business or a personal project. Wikipedia mentions that politicians have used the ritual publicly, including a prime minister in 1967, which shows how widely the custom is known.

Why the doll rights itself

A daruma has a weighted, rounded base, so when it is tipped over it swings back upright. Wikipedia connects this shape to the idea of getting up after setbacks and mentions the proverb "fall down seven times, get up eight." This is the part of the symbolism that is easiest for a visitor to remember.

The doll has no arms or legs, which is often linked to the legend that Bodhidharma meditated facing a wall for years. Folk explanations differ, and a visitor will hear several versions. All of them end in the same message of perseverance, which is why daruma are popular gifts for exams, elections, sports seasons and new ventures.

Because of this meaning, a daruma is also a thoughtful present for a friend starting a challenge. A short note explaining the one-eye custom turns a simple souvenir into a gift with a story, and the recipient gets to choose the goal.

Where daruma come from and where to see them

Wikipedia names Takasaki, in Gunma Prefecture, as the proclaimed birthplace of the daruma doll and says the city produces most of Japan's daruma. The good-luck symbolism is partly connected to Shorinzan Daruma Temple there. The temple's own site describes it as an Obaku Zen temple known for its good-fortune daruma, and it lists a hands-on experience for painting a daruma.

Takasaki can be reached from Tokyo by train, which makes it a possible day trip for travelers who want to see the dolls close up. The temple's site mentions a memorial service for old daruma and an annual daruma market, but dates and offerings can change, so check the temple's official site before planning a visit.

How the ritual works step by step

First choose a goal that is specific and meaningful, such as passing an exam, finishing a book or opening a shop. Second, paint the left eye while thinking about the goal, using a fine brush pen or a marker. Third, display the doll where you will see it every day, such as a shelf at home or a desk at work.

When the goal is reached, paint the second eye and say thanks. After a year, many people bring the doll to a temple for a thank-you ceremony. Wikipedia describes an annual daruma kuyo (memorial service), in which old dolls are returned to the temple where they were bought and then burned together. Many people choose a new doll afterward to set the next goal.

Visitors, souvenirs and special cases

Visitors can buy a daruma as a souvenir, and the ritual works the same way for a traveler as for a resident. Small sizes pack easily and are inexpensive, while large ones are more of a statement piece. A person who is unable to return the doll to Japan can keep it at home, and some visitors simply treat it as a keepsake from the trip.

Families can make painting a doll a shared activity, with each person adding a wish, though traditionally one person paints the doll. Solo travelers may enjoy the temple experience in Takasaki as a quiet activity. Older travelers may like the ritual's calm, short and seated format. If you are unsure how to dispose of an old doll, ask a shop or temple; do not throw it into general trash without checking local custom.

Painting both eyes and other slips

A common mistake is painting both eyes at once. The point of the ritual is the waiting. Another mistake is thinking the doll grants wishes by itself; in the customary view it is a reminder to keep working toward a goal, and the effort is up to the owner. A third mistake is assuming all daruma are red, when gold, white and other colors are sold for different wishes.

For planning, consider the New Year season, when daruma markets and memorial services are often held at temples, and check the temple's official site for current dates. Keep the doll in a clean spot with a clear view, and carry it carefully, since it is hollow and a little fragile. This guide shares general cultural information, and customs differ by temple and household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which eye should be painted first on a daruma?

Wikipedia says the left eye is painted first when the goal is set, and the right eye after the goal is achieved. Some households or regions may follow a slightly different custom, so ask the seller or temple if you want to match local practice.

What should visitors do with an old daruma doll?

Many people return old daruma to a temple during an annual memorial service, where the dolls are burned together. If you cannot return one, ask a temple or shop what they recommend. Details vary by temple, so check local guidance.

Why are daruma dolls usually red?

Wikipedia says red is the traditional color and that the reason is not certain, though it may relate to the robes of priests. Other colors exist, including gold for financial luck. The color is chosen by the buyer, so there is no strict rule.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese Culture and Customs is available on Amazon.

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