No.3
Daruma Freeze Game
Japanese name: だるまさんがころんだ
You can scroll an enlarged diagram from side to side. Press again to return to its original size.
Diagram key
- A
- Waiting area
- B
- Beside the tagger
- C
- 5~10m
Materials
- A start-line marker
How to play
- Choose one caller. The other players line up 5–10 m away, with enough width to return without colliding.
- While facing away, the caller says “Daruma-san ga koronda.” Other players may approach only during this phrase.
- Freeze when the caller turns around. Anyone seen moving is named and goes to the waiting area beside the caller.
- When a player touches the marker near the caller, all waiting players are freed. Everyone heads back toward the start line and stops when the caller says “Stop!”
- The caller takes only the agreed 3 steps and swaps roles with someone they can gently tag. If nobody is within reach, a volunteer becomes the caller for the next round.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: use the simple return-to-start version. Older primary school children: adjust the distance.