As Japan-lovers, I am sure you all know about daruma dolls, the bright red roly-poly monk dolls that right themselves when knocked over. They are cute with large eyes and a classic symbol of Japan.

In Gunma Prefecture, there is a temple called the Shorinzan Daruma-ji. It is often known simply as Daruma Temple.Within the precinct of the temple, there are lots of daruma dolls, with large and small daruma dolls piled up on top of each other.

Inside the temple too, there are lots of bronze statues of guardian beasts such as foxes. It is an unusual, striking temple, where the presence of such characters is strong.

Not only are there lots of daruma dolls, but within the precinct of the temple there is also a museum exhibiting daruma dolls from different periods and their history.

Of course, the goods on sale at the temple are rows of different goods with a daruma theme, from good luck charms to washcloths.

Daruma dolls are said to be lucky and as a symbol of being positive and not giving up, they are often given as presents.

It is said that the Japanese proverb, “He that falls today may rise tomorrow,” about rising again no matter how many times you may fall, originates from monks.

This is why daruma dolls have been used as a symbol of making the effort to try again and not giving up in the face of difficulty.

Another characteristic of daruma dolls is that they are usually sold without eyes painted onto them.

Japanese people use daruma dolls for making wishes. First, you use the daruma doll to make a wish while they have no eyes and then draw on its left eye (the eye on the right as you face it).

Once the wish comes true, you draw on its right eye (the eye on the left as you face it).

To get one of these good luck charms to cheer you up and cheer you on when you have seen a strange scene or when you are struggling or feel like you might give up on something, please go and visit the Daruma Temple.