Fuji TV’s ‘San Taku’ Unites Stars and Tradition for Noto’s Revival
Akashiya Sanma and Takuya Kimura Craft Hope with Custom Daruma, Bringing Smiles to a Region in Need.
In a heartwarming collaboration, Fuji TV’s New Year’s special “San Taku” partnered with the bespoke Daruma brand “Kaisha Daruma” to create unique Daruma dolls. This initiative saw comedy icon Akashiya Sanma and beloved actor Takuya Kimura imbue these traditional Japanese good luck charms with heartfelt wishes for the reconstruction of the Noto Peninsula, a region still recovering from recent events. Daruma, round, hollow dolls, are a classic symbol of perseverance and goal-setting in Japan, often painted with one eye when a goal is set and the second when it’s achieved.
Embodying their motto “Act Immediately,” Sanma and Kimura delved into the art of Daruma making. Under the tutelage of a skilled Takasaki Daruma craftsman, they personally designed and painted an oversized Daruma, adorned with the distinctive “San Taku” logo. The vibrant yellow Daruma, a beacon of hope, then journeyed with the duo to the Noto Peninsula, where they engaged with local communities, sharing laughter and delivering a tangible symbol of encouragement.
At the heart of this project is “Kaisha Daruma,” a brand by concon Inc. that specializes in custom-made Daruma. Collaborating with artisans from Toyooka Town, Japan’s leading Daruma production area, “Kaisha Daruma” offers personalized Daruma dolls crafted in as little as 10 days. These unique creations blend Edo-era traditional craftsmanship with modern precision, allowing for intricate designs and accurate color reproduction previously unachievable. They serve as meaningful corporate gifts for milestones like office relocations, anniversaries, stock market listings, and special events, offering a fresh take on traditional gift-giving.
Beyond corporate customization, concon Inc. also rebrands Takasaki Daruma with a pop sensibility through its “TOKYO LOLLIPOP” line. This collection features the “TOKYO LOLLIPOP daruma,” showcasing lively designs inspired by the brand’s logo, and the “Iwai Daruma” series, which offers semi-customizable options for names and birthdays. These modern interpretations breathe new life into the traditional Daruma, making them appealing to a broader audience. The “TOKYO LOLLIPOP daruma” starts from 6,800 JPY, while the “Iwai Daruma” is available from 7,700 JPY.
For those wishing to experience the craft firsthand, the TOKYO LOLLIPOP Ginza flagship store hosts Daruma making workshops by reservation. Participants can personalize genuine Takasaki Daruma by drawing their own facial features, creating a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake. This hands-on experience allows visitors to connect with Japanese tradition, crafting a unique charm or a thoughtful gift to take home. “It’s wonderful to see how a simple act of creation can embody so much hope and bring people together,” one might reflect, witnessing the smiles on the faces of those engaging with this ancient craft.
Founded in October 2023, concon Inc., led by CEO Fumiko Takahashi, focuses on branding traditional crafts, developing innovative products, and planning experiential content. Their work demonstrates how revered cultural assets can be reimagined for contemporary appeal and social impact. More information about their offerings can be found on their official website:
This collaboration between popular media figures and traditional craft highlights a powerful synergy. By leveraging the reach of television and the enduring appeal of Japanese cultural symbols like the Daruma, initiatives like this can not only aid disaster recovery efforts but also introduce the charm and significance of traditional crafts to a global audience. It shows how the spirit of “Kawaii Japan” can extend beyond cute aesthetics to encompass warmth, community, and resilient hope, shaping a forward-looking perspective for cultural exchange and appreciation.
