Okiagari Roly-poly Doll - Momotaro the Brave

Momotaro the brave
Once upon a time, there was an elderly couple who were very lonely as they could not have any children. One day, they found an enormous peach floating on the river. They took it home, and from the peach – momo in Japanese – burst a strong and healthy baby: their wish had been granted. Momotaro grew up in a loving environment and became a brave boy: he defeated the demons on Onigashima Island and became a hero to is people.

A Japanese Tradition
Okiagari-koboshi means “little monk who stands up”. These traditional Japanese roly-poly dolls are made from papier-mâché. They are designed to always return to an upright position, even if you try to tip them onto their side. Okiagaris were actually mentioned in 14th-century writings.

Symbolism
Okiagaris symbolise perseverance and determination in times of adversity. They are a reminder of the old Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight”. According to tradition, a doll is given to each person in the family plus one, in the hope that a baby will be born during the year. During the Tokaichi or Tenth Day Market, customers drop a few dolls at a time, and the ones that remain standing are said to bring good fortune.