Traditional Japanese Daruma dolls in Ukrainian colours sold to raise money for donations

Artisans in a city north of Tokyo are producing traditional daruma dolls painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, with the proceeds to be donated to the war-torn country.

The dolls are being made at a workshop in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, which is a leading producer of the good luck charms.

Unlike the usual daruma dolls with red bodies, the Ukrainian version is painted blue on the top and yellow on the bottom. A kanji character meaning “to pray” is hand-written on the body of one version. “Pray for Ukraine” is written in English on another.

Sales began at stores and online this month for 1,650 yen, or about 13 dollars, apiece. Proceeds excluding material costs will be donated to the Ukrainian Embassy.

The workshop’s representative, Asahi Takamasa, says he is greatly pained to see the damage Ukraine is suffering because of the Russian invasion.

He says he hopes many people will buy the dolls to financially support the Ukrainians.