he is apt to buy a one-eyed doll modeled after the famed Buddhist monk Daruma, who founded the Zen sect 1,500 years ago. Then, if his wish is fulfilled, he completes the Daruma’s missing eye as ...

The doll we know today reflects this gruesome history as only its head remains. A daruma is only a head and comes with blank eyes so that people can draw one pupil while making a wish. When the ...

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 ...

This family-friendly festival features eye-catching displays and plenty of market stalls to keep everyone entertained. The Hatsuichi Festival has been running for about 400 years and takes the ideas ...