トップページに戻る

TOP > Opening Daruma’s Eyes


 Kaigen, or the opening Daruma's eyes, is one of the best known folk ritual in Japan. When people first look for their Daruma dolls, they see that the eyes are purposely left blank Once they have found a doll to their liking, the individual purchases it and entrusts their wishes to it.? They do this by painting a black pupil in the left eye of Daruma. After the wish has been fulfilled, they show their appreciation by painting in the right eye. The English expression “having both eyes open" describes well the Japanese attitude towards success and wholeness.