The Journal

Journal

Cream gold Shirakawa daruma doll with red floral decoration on white background.

Fukushima Crafts, and a Daruma Painted for 14 Generations

Where to Buy Daruma in Japan and 5 Ways to Spot Handmade — hand-painted dolls from Shirakawa, Fukushima

Where to Buy Daruma in Japan and 5 Ways to Spot Handmade

White silver Shirakawa daruma doll with black facial markings, studio shot.

Wabi Sabi Decor Ideas for a Calmer, Warmer Handmade Home

Rear view of a young girl in a pink floral kimono holding a Chitose-ame bag, walking along a shrine approach with a woman in kimono and a man in a suit; no faces visible

Shichi Go San Japan: Why Kids Carry Thousand-Year Candy

Paint Your Own Daruma? Learn the One-Eye Ritual First — hand-painted dolls from Shirakawa, Fukushima

Paint Your Own Daruma? Learn the One-Eye Ritual First

Red Asakusa Daruma doll on black lacquered stand, wooden surface.

The Graduation Gift Japan Finishes With a Second Eye

Hand holding unpainted papier-mache daruma blank over tray of unfinished forms.

Mingei Japanese Folk Art Explained and Why It Matters

Artisan hand-painting face on large red daruma doll at Shirakawa workshop.

Tokyo Day Trips Culture Guide for Temples and Crafts

Artisans painting red daruma dolls at Shirakawa workshop, Japan.

Shirakawa Daruma: Fukushima's 300-Year-Old Face of Luck

Unpainted white papier-mache daruma doll blank held by hand at Shirakawa workshop.

Hariko Japanese Papier Mache Masks and Lucky Charms

Japanese Birthday Gift: Why a Daruma Beats a Souvenir — hand-painted daruma dolls from Shirakawa, Fukushima

Japanese Birthday Gift: Why a Daruma Beats a Souvenir

Japanese Temple Etiquette, Goshuin and Charms Explained — hand-painted daruma dolls from Shirakawa, Fukushima

Japanese Temple Etiquette, Goshuin and Charms Explained

Black maneki-neko daruma doll with gold 招福 kanji, Shirakawa style.

Maneki Neko Meaning: Why the Lucky Cat Raises Its Paw

Red maneki-neko cat daruma doll on black lacquered base, Shirakawa style.

10 Japanese Lucky Charms: Daruma, Maneki-neko & More

Collection of daruma dolls with labels at Shirakawa daruma workshop exhibition.

Daruma in Pop Culture: How a Monk's Doll Went Global

Four red Daruma dolls in graduated sizes on white background.

Nana Korobi Ya Oki: Fall Seven Times, Rise Eight

Red and white Shirakawa daruma dolls displayed on wooden shelves at workshop shop.

Japanese Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home: A Craftsman's Guide

Row of red Daruma dolls on wooden shelf at Shirakawa workshop shop.

Daruma and Zen: How Bodhidharma Became Japan's Lucky Doll

Assorted daruma dolls of various sizes displayed on tables with Japanese labels.

Daruma at Japanese New Year: Hatsumode and Dondoyaki

Artisan painting white face details on red daruma doll at Shirakawa workshop.

Daruma Tattoo Meanings from a 14th-Generation Maker

Red Asakusa Daruma doll with blank eyes and gold trim on white background.

Daruma Burning Ceremony: When Your Wish Comes True

Red Shirakawa Daruma doll with gold 福 kanji on white background.

Daruma for New Beginnings: New Job, Business or Baby

Artisan painting face of large red daruma doll at Shirakawa workshop.

5 Symbols on a Shirakawa Daruma's Face and Their Meanings

Daruma dolls and maneki-neko figurines displayed on wooden tables at exhibition.

Daruma vs. Maneki Neko: Which Lucky Charm Fits You?

Red and white Shirakawa daruma dolls on a train platform, Fukushima.

The Best Daruma for Wedding Gifts: Pairs, Eyes and Cards

Five colorful Shirakawa daruma dolls displayed on a red felt mat.

Daruma Color Meanings: What Each Color Stands For

White and red Shirakawa daruma doll pair with gold accents on white background.

What Is Shirakawa Daruma? 300 Years of Fukushima Craft

Amabie Daruma: The Legend of Japan's Protective Spirit — hand-painted daruma from Shirakawa, Fukushima

Amabie Daruma: The Legend of Japan's Protective Spirit

The Legend of Akabeko — Japan's Red Cow Guardian from Aizu — hand-painted daruma from Shirakawa, Fukushima

The Legend of Akabeko — Japan's Red Cow Guardian from Aizu

Red and white Shirakawa daruma doll pair with gold福 calligraphy.

How to Make a Wish with a Daruma: Eye-Painting Guide

胡粉塗り

Why the studio smells of shells — the gofun base coat

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Inside the Daruma Painting Hall: 50,000 Faces a Year

ヒゲ描き

Painting the Daruma's Right Eye: A Ritual to Finish a Wish