The Daruma is a important figure from Buddhist lore, the descendent of Buddha who introduced Zen Buddhism to China, from whence it came to Japan many centuries ago. Today, Japanese--including many politicians who are running for office--buy Daruma dolls for good luck. They paint in the right eye and write their wish on the daruma's plump belly (in the illustration provided here, the two characters read "I will definitely win"). When the wish comes true, the person making the wish is supposed to paint in the daruma's second eye, making the image complete.

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