Daruma-san ga Koronda

Daruma-san ga koronda is the traditional Japanese version of a children's game known globally as Red Light, Green Light. The name translates to 'the Daruma doll fell over,' a reference to the Buddhist monk figure often depicted in folk art. While its origins are deeply rooted in Japanese playground culture, it gained international cultural visibility through its inclusion as the first game in the South Korean series Squid Game, which utilized the title's inherent tension and childhood familiarity to contrast with a high-stakes, lethal environment.

The specific version associated with NHK frequently appears in the network's long-running educational and variety programming, where it serves as a staple for physical activities designed to teach children timing and self-control. The mechanics involve a leader facing away from the group while reciting a rhythmic phrase; when they turn around, any player caught moving must return to the starting line. NHK's broadcasts of these segments focus on the preservation of traditional play, presenting the activity through a lens of cultural continuity rather than competition.