Kagome Kagome

One player is chosen as the Oni (literally demon or ogre, but similar to the concept of "it" in tag) and sits blindfolded (or with their eyes covered).

The other children join hands and walk in circles around the Oni while chanting the song for the game.

The song's lyrics vary by region, but the most commonly known version is: かごめかごめ 籠の中の鳥は いついつ出やる　夜明けの晩に 鶴と亀が滑った 後ろの正面だあれ Kagome kagome / Kago no naka no tori wa Itsu itsu deyaru / Yoake no ban ni Tsuru to kame ga subetta.

Ushirono shoumen da are The most common interpretation is: (** is additional to match singing) Kagome kagome / The bird in the cage, **bird in the cage** When, oh when will it come out In the evening of the dawn The crane and turtle slipped, **they slipped** Who is behind you now?

[6][7] These include: The song is a subject of much academic interest and many theories surround its origin and meaning.