Kagome Kagome

Lyricist(s): Japanese song Composer(s): Japanese song singer(s): Japanese song

"Kagome Kagome" (かごめかごめ, or 籠目籠目) is a Japanese children's game and the song (Warabe uta) associated with it. 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. When the song stops, the Oni tries to name the person standing directly behind them.

Sheet music

• Kagome Kagome staff 2025-09-27 13:40:14

Lyrics

Japanese:
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

English transliteration (Rōmaji):
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:
Kagome kagome / The bird in the cage,
When will you leave? At dawn.
The crane and turtle slipped,
Who is behind you now?

update：2025-09-27 13:00:28