Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll

Written and illustrated by Sunny Seki.

This book tells a story about the beloved Daruma Doll and some of the legends from which it owes its existence.

Yuko-chan, an adventurous blind orphan, is able to do amazing things. She confronts a burglar in the dead of night, and crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people. During her travels, Yuko-chan trips and tumbles down a snowy cliff. She discovers a strange thing as she waits for help: her tea gourd, regardless of how she drops it, always lands right-side-up. The tea has frozen in the bottom of the gourd! Inspired by this, she creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped—a true symbol of resilience.

Thanks to Yuko-chan's invention, the villagers are able to earn a living and feed themselves by selling the dolls. Yuko-chan never gave up, no matter the obstacles she faced, and the Daruma doll is a charming reminder of the power of perseverance. Hardbound: 32 pp.

2012 Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year Award Winner!

UNLESS FINAL SALE:
Full refunds (less shipping and handling) will be issued provided that the merchandise is in resalable condition upon receipt and the merchandise is returned within 30 days of the delivery date. Before returning any merchandise for a refund or exchange, please email us at museumstore@janm.org. We will provide you with information necessary for the return authorization.

JANM Store Return Policy

STANDARD DELIVERY: Standard deliveries within the continental U.S. are sent via UPS Ground or USPS Priority Mail from Los Angeles, California. Delivery time varies depending on location and product availability but generally takes from 3-10 business days. You will be advised of a delay in shipping that exceeds 30 days.

JANM Store Shipping Policy

The JANM Store is now offering onsite pick-up for orders placed online. Just select “Pick Up in Store” at checkout. You will receive a notification email when your order is ready for pick-up.

Pick-up is by appointment only! Please reply with the date and approximate time you will be picking up your order.
We ask that you pick up your order no later than 10 days after it is ready. If your reply is not received within one week, or you cannot pick up your order within 10 days, your order may be canceled.

We DO NOT guarantee same-day pick-up. Orders received by 3:00 p.m. on a business day will usually be available for pick up by the next available pick-up date. When you arrive at the entrance to the Museum, please call the Store at 888.769.5559, and one of our Sales Associates will bring out your order.

Please allow an extra day for pick-ups on Thanksgiving weekend and the week before Christmas.

We require that you make an appointment for pick up. Appointment times are Tuesday-Saturday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Days and hours available for a pick up (subject to change without prior notice).

We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Membership in JANM provides numerous benefits (*including 10% off eligible JANM Store purchases!), and supports our mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the experiences of Japanese Americans. Become a new Member, renew your Membership, or share JANM with a friend or loved one by giving a Gift Membership.

Add a membership to your cart and you'll immediately receive 10% off all qualifying items on your order.

Join Today