US president George W Bush received a traditional Japanese wish doll as one of his birthday gifts, reported AFP.

The news agency claimed that to celebrate President Bush's 62nd birthday on Sunday (July 6th), the Japanese prime minister, Yasuo Fukuda, gave him a Daruma doll which the receiver is expected to make a wish upon while dotting the eye.

A Japanese official revealed: "The president then circled an eye while thinking."

Earlier in the day, President Bush received birthday gifts and cards from staff and family members, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

She told CNN that he celebrated his birthday on the Air Force One en route to Japan, on which he was presented with a coconut cake with a single candle.

Staff members and Laura Bush convened in the conference room on the plan, dimmed the lights and sang Happy Birthday to the president.

He "dutifully pretended to be surprised", Ms Perino added, and then made a wish while blowing out the candle.