Tamil Monk's Legacy Inspires Japan's Iconic Daruma Doll for PM Modi's Visit

On August 29-30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, his eighth visit to the country. During the two-day trip, PM Modi is expected to be presented with a Daruma doll, a traditional Japanese toy that symbolizes good luck.

The Daruma doll's origins can be traced back to Bodhidharma, a monk from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Born in 440 AD, Bodhidharma traveled to China in the 5th-6th century to spread the teachings of Buddhism. He is credited with founding what became known as Chan Buddhism, which later evolved into Zen Buddhism in Japan.

According to tradition, Bodhidharma spent nine years in deep meditation, during which he lost the use of his limbs. This inspired the unique design of the Daruma doll, which is round, hollow, and weighted at the bottom, allowing it to return upright when tilted. The doll is usually painted red with a stern face and blank eyes, with one eye filled in when a goal is set and the other when the goal is achieved.

The Daruma doll has become a staple of Japanese culture, found in homes, shops, temples, and even pop culture. Most are produced in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, using traditional papier-mâché techniques passed down for over two centuries. At the end of each year, people return their old Daruma dolls to temples for the Daruma Kuyo ceremony, where monks burn them in bonfires to honor past efforts and inspire new goals and intentions.

As PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba discuss strategic ties, regional security, and QUAD collaboration, the Daruma doll will serve as a symbol of the deep cultural connections between India and Japan, rooted in the legacy of a Tamil monk who left an indelible mark on the world.