TOKYO LOLLIPOP | TAKASAKI DARUMA, TAKASAKI MANEKI-NEKO

Brand

Lucky Charms Born from Modern Aesthetics and Traditional Craftsmanship

concon, Inc

• 2023
• Takasaki Daruma, Takasaki Maneki-Neko
• Fumiko Takahashi

History

Valuing Tradition and a Sense of Playfulness

concon, Inc. was established in October 2023.

Fumiko Takahashi, a native of Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, founded the company out of a desire to share the charm of daruma—a traditional local craft—with modern lifestyles and the world.

Through our brand "TOKYO LOLLIPOP," we offer modern interpretations of Daruma dolls—which have been cherished as good-luck charms in our hometown of Takasaki since the late Edo period (1603–1867).

By incorporating vibrant colors and contemporary designs, we present these dolls in ways that make them enjoyable as both home decor and gifts.

In addition to selling our products at department stores and retail facilities, we also offer custom-made Daruma dolls—known as "Kaisha Daruma"—for corporations and events.

We organize various collaborative events and have been involved in projects such as the decorations for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix.

Through a wide range of creative endeavors, we will continue to challenge ourselves to create a world that blends Japanese culture with a playful spirit.

Characteristic

Vibrant Colors, a Warm and Tactile Feel

"TOKYO LOLLIPOP" reimagines Japanese traditions and customs with a modern sensibility and a playful spirit.

The brand is known for designs that incorporate motifs from Japanese lucky charms and crafts in a free-spirited color palette, creating pieces that can be easily enjoyed in everyday life.

The colorful Daruma dolls, based on the Takasaki Daruma style, feature eyebrows representing a crane and a beard representing a turtle—just like traditional Daruma dolls.

The crane and the turtle are considered auspicious symbols—as the saying goes, "The crane lives a thousand years, the turtle ten thousand"—and are used to celebrate human longevity, prosperity, and joyous occasions.

Furthermore, the Daruma, with its rounded shape and stable center of gravity, symbolizes "falling seven times, rising eight," making it a talisman that represents the resilience to rise again after overcoming adversity.

Additionally, the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), crafted using the same papier-mâché technique as the Daruma, has long been believed to bring good luck.

A beckoning cat raising its right paw is said to invite "financial fortune and good luck," while one raising its left paw is said to invite "good relationships and business prosperity."

Both are handcrafted using the papier-mâché techniques cultivated in Takasaki.

Please enjoy the warm, textured feel created by layering multiple sheets of washi paper.

While honoring the traditional meanings and stories behind these auspicious symbols, we will continue to create playful, contemporary items that bring color and joy to everyday life.

For Customers

Bringing Happiness Across Generations and Borders

At TOKYO LOLLIPOP, we continue to create items that honor tradition while appealing to people of today.

By sharing the stories behind Japanese culture and lucky charms across generations and national borders, we hope to bring a little happiness and color to your everyday life.

From business prosperity to success in elections and exams, Daruma dolls have long been considered lucky charms that watch over people's challenges.

We cherish this tradition and offer items that blend naturally into modern living spaces.

A Little Joy Every Time You See or Hold It!We hope our pop-designed Daruma dolls and beckoning cats bring joy every time you see or hold them, encourage you to take on new challenges, and make each day a little more exciting.

Award

2024 Forbes JAPAN Culturepreneur Award Recipient