Indian Prime Minister Modi embarks on a two-day trip to Japan, receiving an Indian-origin Daruma doll as a gift
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Japan Marks 20 Years of Indo-Japanese Summits
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Tokyo for a two-day visit (August 29, 2025), marking the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This visit, at the invitation of Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, marks 20 years since the first annual summit in 2005.
During his visit, PM Modi addressed the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum. One of the highlights of his visit was the traditional gift he received β a Daruma doll, a symbol of perseverance and good fortune in Japanese tradition.
The Daruma doll, a round, hollow, weighted figure without arms or legs, is a common figure in Japanese pop culture. It can be found in games, anime, and festivals. The Daruma doll that was gifted to PM Modi was made in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, a town known for its traditional papier-mΓ’chΓ© methods passed down for over 200 years.
In Japanese tradition, a person sets a goal or makes a wish by painting one eye of the Daruma doll. Once the goal is achieved, the other eye is painted to complete it. Daruma dolls are kept in homes, shops, and temples as reminders of determination and as lucky charms.
At the end of each year, old Daruma dolls are brought back to temples for the Daruma Kuyo ceremony, where they are burned in bonfires by monks to honor past efforts and inspire fresh aspirations. This significant event was also a part of the cultural exchange during PM Modi's visit.
The Prime Ministers are expected to upgrade the 2008 Declaration on Security Cooperation during this summit. They are also expected to launch an "Economic Security" initiative and increase Japan's investment targets to around $68 billion.
The Indo-Japanese partnership is symbolic in various sectors, including metro, manufacturing, semiconductors, and start-ups. This partnership has been instrumental in driving growth and development in both countries.
Daruma dolls are widely used during the New Year to set resolutions and goals. As PM Modi embarks on his eighth visit to Japan, one can only hope that his Daruma doll will guide him towards continued success and perseverance in strengthening the Indo-Japanese relationship.
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