Why Daruma?

The name of our company is meant to reflect our belief that it takes a great deal of resilience to develop new drugs and devices to the marketplace. The name matches our belief in resilience and combines it with our love of Japanese culture and stoicism. This is a big part of our core beliefs at DarumaBioCapital.

The Daruma doll, known in Japanese culture as "Daruma," is a traditional talisman symbolizing perseverance, resilience, and good luck. Its origins are rooted in the story of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who founded Zen Buddhism. Here are some key aspects of what the Daruma represents in Japanese culture:

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

1. Perseverance and Resilience:
   • The Daruma doll is designed to return to an upright position when tilted over, symbolizing the ability to overcome adversity and bounce back from challenges. This characteristic aligns with the Japanese proverb "Nanakorobi yaoki" (七転び八起き), which means "Fall down seven times, get up eight" 
2. Good Luck and Wishes:
   • Daruma dolls are often used to make wishes or set goals. When someone acquires a Daruma, they typically paint one eye while making a wish or setting a goal. Once the wish is fulfilled or the goal is achieved, they paint the other eye as a sign of gratitude and accomplishment .
3. Bodhidharma and Zen Buddhism:
   • The Daruma doll is modeled after Bodhidharma, who meditated for nine years, which is why the doll is often depicted without arms and legs, symbolizing Bodhidharma’s commitment to achieving enlightenment through meditation .
4. Cultural and Artistic Aspects:
   • Daruma dolls are typically made from papier-mâché and come in various colors, each with its own significance. Red is the most common color and is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Other colors, like gold and white, symbolize wealth and purity, respectively .
5. Commercial and Festive Use:
   • Daruma dolls are popular during the New Year and other celebratory occasions in Japan. They are often purchased at temples and shrines and are seen as a way to bring luck and success in the coming year .

Modern Interpretations

In contemporary times, the Daruma doll remains a potent symbol of determination and is used in various contexts beyond religious and cultural traditions. Businesses and individuals alike use Daruma dolls to set professional and personal goals, embodying a spirit of perseverance and achievement.

Our Logo

The Daruma doll is a powerful emblem in Japanese culture, representing resilience, good luck, and the unwavering spirit to overcome obstacles. Its use spans from personal goal-setting to significant cultural traditions, making it a beloved and enduring symbol in Japan. 

Susuwatari, also called Makkuro kurosuke, is the name of a fictitious sprite that was devised by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, known from the famous anime-productions My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away where, in the former, they are identified as "black soots" in early subtitles, as "soot sprites" or "dust bunnies" in the Streamline Pictures English dub, and as "soot gremlins" in the Walt Disney Studios English dubbed version.  Our logo incorporates the Susuwatari for good luck.