When a Japanese prepares to make a wish, 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 now uses it to make traditional Daruma dolls, Japanese symbols of good fortune. Using old jeans from his clients, Shimizu makes one-of-a-kind Daruma that they'll never want to let go.

Japanese sauces, condiments, snacks, candy, beer, sake, canned iced coffee and ready-made meals. Daruma also has a hot water dispenser for making tea and instant cup noodles. But for me ...