A Good Luck Charm to Pass the Exam

A Good Luck Charm to Pass the Exam

Thanks to the cute appearance, big smile, and solar-power-driven continuously bobbing head, NoHoHon-Zoku bobble-head toys are marketed as a stress-reliever for people of all ages.  This particular line is aimed at students who are studying to pass tests, including the competitive school entrance exams.  Note the open textbook and the tiny daruma doll to the figure's left.  One of the daruma doll's pupil is colored in when a wish--such as passing an exam--is made, then the other is filled in when the wish comes to pass.  This NoHonHon can be used to spark discussion about the Japanese education system.  Why is this toy popular?  Are there any toys in the United States that serve a similar purpose?  It is also interesting to note the way in which the more traditional daruma doll has been integrated into this modern toy.

 

Theme,History; Topic,History-Modern; Type,Image; Type,Photography; Topic,Popular Culture; Theme,Using Pop Culture to Teach About Japan;
NoHoHon-zoku, good-luck charm, entrance exam, toy, exam system, daruma,toy, cute