One of the good luck charms traditionally bought in Japan at the beginning of the year is the Daruma Doll, a type of doll created 200 years ago at the Shorinzan Daruma temple in Takasaki, Gunma.

Since the doll is extremely popular in Japan, many forms were created. One of the most creative is this paper lantern from Aomori, representing a Daruma made in the shape of an apple. The Aomori prefecture is renowned for its apples, which covers half of the apple production in the country, with dozens of great quality varieties.

Daruma Aomori

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Good luck charms for the New Year, Hagoita