Meo Duoi Chuot: Follow the Mouse's Route

Japanese name: メオ・ズオイ・チュオット（ねこの通り道）

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The cat’s route. The 5 people in the circle keep the gates open. Cat and mouse use the same gates in the same order.

Diagram key

A: Mouse
B: Cat
C: Numbers mark gates between people.
D: If the mouse uses gates 1 → 3 → 2
E: The cat uses gates 1 → 3 → 2 too.
F: The cat begins chasing only after the mouse passes through the first gate.

Materials

Choose a cat and a mouse. Everyone else forms a circle, lightly holding hands to make gates high enough for both players to pass safely.
Both players start inside the circle. The mouse moves first; the cat begins only after the mouse passes through the first gate. The mouse may move in and out through the gates.
The cat must follow the same gates and route in the same order. Circle players stay in place and must not suddenly lower their hands to obstruct anyone.
The cat succeeds by gently tagging the mouse. End the round if the cat uses a different gate as a shortcut, or after 30 seconds without a catch.
Swap cat and mouse for a second round, then choose the next pair. With an odd number, pair the last person with someone who has already played. Finish when everyone has tried a moving role. Walk the route the first time.

Preschool: walk with wide gates. Younger primary: number the gates. Older primary: plan different routes.