Koshu Daruma dolls are an iconic craft from the city of Koshu in Yamansahi Prefecture. The tradition began over 400 years ago and was inspired by Takeda Shingen, a popular military commander of that era.
Koshu Daruma are known for their deeply carved faces featuring high noses, oval eyes and eyebrows and bearsd shaped like vranes and turtles.
Another variant of the Koshu Daruma is the “Koshu Oyako Daruma” or parent/child Daruma. A parent Daruma has a child Daruma on its belly, hoping for safety of their home and for their child’s prosperity.
Koshu Daruma are sold as lucky charms to ward off evil spirits, and are available for purchase on the day of “Yakuyoke Jizo son Festival” every February. Oyako Daruma can be purchased at Yamanashi Local Industry Center anytime of the year.
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