Tokyo, August 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a Daruma Doll, a traditional Japanese symbol of perseverance and good fortune, by Rev. Seishi Hirose, chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple, during his ongoing two-day visit to Japan. The gesture came ahead of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, where Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba are set to review and upgrade bilateral ties.
Daruma Doll: Symbol of Luck and Resilience
The Daruma Doll is modeled after Bodhidharma, the Indian monk who founded Zen Buddhism. Known for its hollow, round shape, the doll is usually red but varies in design across regions.
Traditionally, one eye of the doll is filled when a person sets a goal, while the other is completed only after the goal is achieved. This practice reflects the Japanese proverb “fall down seven times, get up eight”, symbolizing persistence and determination.
Modi’s Meetings with Former Japanese Leaders
During his Tokyo visit, PM Modi also met former Japanese prime ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida to discuss the future of the India-Japan partnership.
-
With Yoshihide Suga: Talks centered on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), trade, and investment. Modi highlighted the need to deepen cooperation across these key areas.
-
With Fumio Kishida: Discussions focused on semiconductors, critical technologies, and human resource mobility, with Modi acknowledging Kishida’s consistent support for stronger India-Japan ties.
Address at India-Japan Economic Forum
PM Modi also addressed the India-Japan Economic Forum, emphasizing collaboration in manufacturing, technology, green energy, skill development, and innovation.
“Japan’s excellence and India’s scale can create a perfect partnership. The world is not just watching India but also counting on it,” Modi said while underlining the growing global relevance of the partnership.
