Discover Kagome Kagome: A Hauntingly Beautiful Japanese Kids’ Song

“Kagome Kagome” is one of Japan’s most hauntingly beautiful and mysterious children’s songs. Often sung while playing a traditional circle game, the lyrics have fascinated generations with their dreamlike, poetic — and sometimes even eerie — imagery.

Children form a circle around one child (the “bird in the cage”), who sits in the center with their eyes closed. As the group sings, they move around the child. When the song ends, the child in the center has to guess who is standing behind them.

Japanese Lyrics

かごめ　かごめ
かごのなかの　とりは
いついつ　でやる
よあけの　ばんに
つると　かめと　すべった
うしろの　しょうめん　だあれ

Romaji (Latin Alphabet)

kagome kagome
kago no naka no tori wa
itsu itsu deyaru
yoake no ban ni
tsuru to kame to subetta
ushiro no shoumen daare

English Interpretation (Simple Translation)

Kagome, Kagome,
The bird in the cage —
When, oh when will you come out?
At the evening of dawn,
The crane and turtle slipped —
Who is behind you now?

A Song Full of Imagination and Symbolism

While its exact meaning is still debated, this song is filled with symbolic references. The crane and turtle represent longevity and fortune in Japanese culture, while the image of the “bird in the cage” evokes feelings of being trapped or waiting to be free. These elements combine to create an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation.

Kagome Kagome isn’t just a song — it’s also a playful group activity that introduces children to rhythm, memory, and social interaction. It has been a beloved part of Japanese playgrounds for centuries.

Learning Through Songs with Dinolingo

Through Dinolingo’s Japanese lessons for kids, learners can experience traditional songs like Kagome Kagome through music, storytelling, and games. These multisensory tools help children ages 2–14 build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and develop listening skills. The platform’s use of authentic audio, interactive visuals, and cultural notes makes learning not only effective but meaningful.