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Production of daruma dolls for 2025, the Year of the Snake, has reached its peak at Arai Darumaya in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. This family business is hard at work, painting each daruma with care.
These 12 cm-tall (4.7 inches) daruma feature a snake design with a red tongue and two gold coins in a V shape on the front. The snake is seen in Japan as a symbol of prosperity.
Fourth-generation owner Seikan Arai, 69, is crafting each daruma with hope that “people struggling with the recent rise in living costs may still lead secure lives.”
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A Wish for a Peaceful Year Ahead
Arai Darumaya is a 150-year-old establishment dating back to the Edo period. It is dedicated to preserving the tradition of Soshu daruma — a style unique to Hiratsuka.
Each daruma, priced at ¥4,000 ($26 USD), is handmade by the family. They plan to produce about 3,000 zodiac daruma dolls by February 2025. “We won’t compromise on making each piece by hand,” says Seikan, expressing his commitment to quality.
“This year [2024] began with an earthquake on New Year’s Day, and wars continue around the world. I truly hope for a peaceful, calm year ahead.” With these thoughts, Seikan carefully adds brushstrokes to each daruma, one by one.
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Author: Naoki Aikawa, The Sankei Shimbun
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