That eerie song from Shinjuku Itchome

This is a Japanese nursery rhyme known to all children and adults, sung by kids while playing a game. How the game is played: the child who is 'it' crouches in the middle with their eyes covered, while a group of children surrounds them singing this nursery rhyme. When the song ends, if the child who is 'it' can guess who is standing behind them, that child becomes 'it' instead. In other words, the meaning of the last line of this nursery rhyme is: 'At that moment, whoever is behind facing the child who is 'it', must take the place of the caged bird as the scapegoat.' \ This is another oddly creepy Japanese children's song; it always gives a shiver down the spine when you hear it. It is said that this game evolved from religious rituals, which is why it feels so eerie. \ Lyrics かごめ かごめ\ Cage weave, cage weave \ かごの中の鳥は\ The bird in the cage \ いついつでやる\ When will it come out? \ 夜明けの晩に\ On the night of dawn \ 鶴と亀が滑った\ The crane and the turtle slipped \ 後ろの正面だれ\ Who is directly behind