{"id":42,"date":"2025-07-04T15:49:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-04T06:49:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/?p=42"},"modified":"2025-09-05T18:58:36","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T09:58:36","slug":"the-spirit-of-tradition-a-conversation-with-arai-daruma-in-hiratsuka-kanagawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/the-spirit-of-tradition-a-conversation-with-arai-daruma-in-hiratsuka-kanagawa\/","title":{"rendered":"The Spirit of Tradition: A Conversation with Arai Daruma in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tucked away in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Arai Daruma<\/em> is not just a workshop\u2014it\u2019s a living piece of Japanese heritage. With a history spanning over 160 years, this family-run business continues to produce Daruma dolls by hand, honouring tradition while subtly embracing change. It stands as a testament to the region’s rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I sat down with the current head of the Arai family while he worked, to explore the meaning, history, and craftsmanship behind these iconic, and very cute, symbols of good fortune. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Origins of Daruma<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDaruma comes from the Indian word dharma<\/em>,\u201d he began. \u201cIt means \u2018enlightened one\u2019 or \u2018saint.\u2019 It refers to Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who traveled to China and is known as the founder of Zen Buddhism.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Daruma doll, with its distinctive round shape, is modelled after the monk practicing zazen<\/em> (seated meditation). \u201cHe\u2019s human, so he feels cold. Imagine him with a blanket over his body, focused in meditation,\u201d he explained. Contrary to the myth saying that the monk\u2019s limbs fell off after meditating for too long, Daruma are shaped this way as a stylized image of focused stillness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Design Through the Generations<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the design of Daruma has evolved. \u201cIn my grandfather\u2019s time, the design was simple and rustic. Now it\u2019s become more colourful and lively,\u201d he said, gesturing toward a 100-year-old Daruma whose red paint had faded with time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Arai Daruma specialize in making Soshu Daruma<\/em> dolls. Their most distinctive feature is the symbolic combination of eyebrows resembling a crane, a turtle for the beard, and a moustache and mouth mirroring Mt. Fuji. \u201cThe crane is a symbol of longevity  and the turtle lives for centuries. Mt. Fuji represents Japan. It\u2019s all about longevity and fortune.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cIn my grandfather\u2019s time, the design was simple and rustic.\u201d<\/kbd><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Daruma in Modern Times<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

While Daruma dolls are traditionally red, representing protection against illness\u2014a tradition rooted in past epidemics\u2014today they come in many different shades. \u201cNow I make Daruma in various colours. I think it\u2019s a good thing, that way everyone can choose the colour that appeals to them the most\u201d he said. He also taught me that the idea that Daruma of different colours are used to make specific wishes is very recent, therefore he believes that it is better for people to pick Daruma they naturally lean towards. This is also why you can find very rare and unique colours of Daruma at the Arai family workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dolls are used for prayers and wishes. \u201cPeople draw in one eye when they make a wish, and the other when it comes true. It\u2019s all about hoping for happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Craft Behind the Symbol<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Producing each Daruma doll is a meticulous process. \u201cIt takes a year just to create the body,\u201d he noted. The traditional technique to make a Daruma body contains many steps. First, the artisan carves out a solid block of wood into the desired size and shape. Then, a layer of paper-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 is applied by hand onto the shape, carefully shaping all the facial details. This process is repeated a few times, waiting for each layer to fully dry every time, before cutting open and unmolding the paper body of the Daruma in a way that made me think about a mother giving birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means that if they want to make hundreds of Daruma at once, they need to have hundreds of Daruma bodies of various sizes carved out of solid wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe wooden bodies that we use were carved by my grandfather, about 100 years ago,\u201dhe said proudly. What incredible trans-generational treasures!  <\/p>\n\n\n

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The Arai family start producing small Daruma in spring, gradually crafting larger sizes through the seasons. \u201cIt\u2019s easier to scale up from a small one. Surprisingly, the smallest dolls are the hardest to make,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dolls are painted layer by layer\u2014starting with red for the body, then white for the face, orange for the eyes, black for the facial features, and finally golden glitter around the eyes. I asked him how long this takes: \u201cIt all depends on the weather, since we dry them in the sun. If it rains, the process slows down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also asked Arai-san what his favourite part of crafting a Daruma is, and he said that he particularly enjoys painting the facial hair. He was inspired by his grandfather to develop his own calligraphy skills, and now infuses decades of practice into every single beard, each uniquely crafted with love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family and Philosophy<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Currently in its fourth generation, with the fifth already involved, Arai Daruma remains committed to handmade excellence. \u201cWe don\u2019t focus on mass production. We make each one with care, as a family. That\u2019s enough,\u201d he said humbly. The team of six artisans each contributes to the process, specializing in different parts but able to switch roles when needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The artisans of the Arai family make their Daruma dolls with the philosophy that they are in training for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Editions and Collectables<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Arai Daruma also creates limited edition Daruma dolls, such as their yearly zodiac animal. \u201cCollectors buy one every year to complete the 12-year cycle. We don\u2019t remake past years, so once they\u2019re gone, they\u2019re gone!\u201d Looking ahead, Arai-san is already thinking about next year\u2019s design. \u201cIt\u2019ll be a horse, but I can\u2019t share details yet,\u201d he laughed. I told him I would make sure to go back on the year of the rooster to get my own zodiac Daruma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is one original style created by Arai Daruma that is very striking, to say the least: the facial hair on Daruma are carefully painted on their faces using excellent calligraphy skills. However, Arai Daruma created an actually hairy style of Daruma, with luscious eyebrows and a glorious moustache. \u201cA client once asked my grandfather for a more visually striking Daruma, to hope for better luck for the year. My grandfather came up with this design. It\u2019s quite unique, isn\u2019t it?\u201d Arai-san told me when I asked more about their hairy specialty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legacy and the Future<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

When asked what he hopes for the future of Soshu Daruma<\/em>, he answered simply: \u201cI want this tradition to live on. But more than anything, I want to keep making Daruma dolls by hand\u2014with heart and sincerity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a world moving quickly toward automation, Arai Daruma stands quietly firm, embodying patience, tradition, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship. The family\u2019s guiding principle, “create Daruma with gratitude\u201d, underscores their commitment to quality and tradition<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make your Own Daruma <\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Visitors to Arai Daruma have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on Daruma painting experience. This activity allows you to personalize your own Daruma doll, making it a memorable souvenir or gift. The experience typically lasts around 1 hour and is available from \u00a51,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also order custom-made Daruma from them. You can request different colours, sizes, and writing on their belly. It is a common gift for weddings, births, or the opening of a new business for example.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

RESERVATION ONLY<\/strong>, please contact Arai Daruma directly, or contact us for English support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Meaningful Souvenir<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Since every single Daruma doll is crafted and painted by hand, they are all unique and all have their own tiny quirks. Arai-san always tells customers to choose the ones that appeal to them, based on how they feel when they look into their eyes. For example, I chose the Snake zodiac Daruma doll for sale in she shop (coming soon) because I thought he looked particularly sweet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A visit to Arai Daruma offers more than just a glimpse into traditional Japanese craftsmanship; it provides an opportunity to create a personalized symbol of good fortune. Whether you’re seeking a unique souvenir, a meaningful gift, or a cultural experience, Arai Daruma in Hiratsuka City is a destination that embodies the spirit of Japanese tradition and artistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Information<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Address<\/strong>: 4-11-22 Higashi-Hachiman, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Access<\/strong>: 10 min bus ride from JR Hiratsuka Station<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hours<\/strong>: 9:00 AM \u2013 6:00 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closed<\/strong>: Sundays and national holidays (irregular closures during the New Year period)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact<\/strong>: 0463-21-6096<\/p>\n\n\n\n

English contact<\/strong>: noemie@makesweb.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/strong>: https:\/\/arai-darumaya.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Order your own Custom Made Daruma<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Additional Links<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

\u30fb https:\/\/www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp\/spot\/1030?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u30fb https:\/\/trip.pref.kanagawa.jp\/destination\/arai-daruma-store-daruma-painting-experience\/1030<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u30fb https:\/\/hiratsuka-meisan.com\/meisan\/araidarumaaisyu.html?utm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u30fb https:\/\/hiratsuka.goguynet.jp\/2020\/06\/02\/araudaruma20200602\/?utm<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tucked away in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Arai Daruma is not just a workshop\u2014it\u2019s a living piece of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":92,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,3],"tags":[4,5,6,9,7,8,10,11],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42\/revisions\/88"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/makesweb.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}