Pop Japan

Daruma-san ga koronda is a Japanese traditional game. To play the game, instead of counting one to ten, the "it" says "Daruma-san ga koronda" which means "the daruma doll fell over." The other players should be able to get close to the "it" without being caught moving. 

The "it" will face away from the other players. The "it" will then say "Daruma-san ga koronda" and quickly turn around. The other players must freeze at that time. If one player is caught moving, he/ she must touch the hands of "it" without being caught. Another player should slap the back of the "it" and run away. When the "it" shouts "tomare," or stop, everyone should freeze. If one of them is no more than three steps from the "it," the two shall switch places.

Tags: darumasan ga koronda, the daruma doll fell over, it, tradition, japan, freeze, switching players