TAKASAKI, Gunma Prefecture—Thousands of daruma dolls, symbols of good luck and perseverance, were given a fiery ceremonial send-off at a Zen Buddhist temple here on Jan. 15. A towering pile of ...

Symbolising perseverance, daruma dolls are sold in temples across Japan ... all major stations in Kawagoe are within 25 minutes on foot from the temple.

Daruma dolls, battledores, “hina” dolls and stuffed toys are among objects brought to Kokujoji, a Buddhist temple in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, by clients who want memorial services to be ...