[Baseball Songs] A collection of cheer songs and theme music for high school baseball, professional baseball, and Samurai Japan

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko

A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Full)

Widely known as the opening theme of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, this song was released in October 1995 and remains highly popular more than 25 years later.

Its powerful yet bittersweet vocals and lyrics centered on growth and self-realization are captivating, depicting youthful potential and the spirit of challenge.

It has also long been a staple in brass band arrangements for baseball cheering, and many people have likely heard it during Koshien games.

Combined with Yoko Takahashi’s vocal prowess, the passionate energy imbued in this piece has made it a song that continues to capture the hearts of baseball fans.

There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu & Re:Japan

Ashita Ga Arusa (Georgia De Ikimashou Hen)

“Alright, let’s give it our all again tomorrow!” This is a song of hope that gives you that kind of straightforward courage, brought to you by Ulfuls and Re:Japan.

Preserving the original’s warmth, their rendition shines with a new brilliance.

The Ulfuls version was released as a single in 2001, followed shortly by Re:Japan’s version; the latter topped the Oricon charts and was featured in TV dramas and commercials.

In spring 2002, it was selected as the march for the National High School Baseball Invitational, delivering a fresh, moving atmosphere to Koshien.

When you’re about to take a new step, this song will surely give you great strength.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu

TSUNAMI

A gem of a ballad by Southern All Stars.

From the piano’s beautiful melody that swells into a grand sound, to Keisuke Kuwata’s richly expressive vocals that sing of irrepressible love and the ache of heartbreak, it resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2000, the song achieved a record-breaking 2.936 million copies sold.

In March 2001, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the Spring National High School Baseball Tournament.

When you want to reaffirm your unchanging feelings for someone special, or quietly look back on the past at night, this song will gently stay by your side.

loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

A national hit song by Gen Hoshino that brightly colored the players’ entrance march at the Spring Koshien in 2017.

Its lyrics gently resonate in our hearts, reminding us that true happiness lies in the small moments of everyday life and that warmth is born from human connections.

Released in October 2016 as Hoshino’s ninth single, it became a social phenomenon as the theme song for the drama “We Married as a Job!” (“Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu”), in which he starred.

It’s a magical track that naturally brings a smile to your face when you’re taking a new step forward or feeling a little worn out.

YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

With a surging passion that stirs listeners’ hearts, Hideki Saijo’s striking vocals make this piece a perfect anthem for anyone chasing their dreams! Released as a single in February 1979, it was also included on the album “YOUNG MAN / HIDEKI FLYING UP.” In the spring of the following year, 1980, it was chosen as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, sending a courageous song resounding through Koshien.

When this song plays, it feels like you can overcome any challenge!

OathBEGIN

BEGIN / Oath

An uplifting song by BEGIN featuring a soothing, Okinawan-tinged acoustic sound.

The lyrics express a resolve to press on into the future without bowing to any hardship, and the importance of persevering toward distant goals resonates deeply.

Released as a single in August 2004, the track served as the ending theme for TV Asahi/ABC’s “Netto Koshien,” underscoring many moving moments.

It gently encourages the high school baseball players battling at Summer Koshien and everyone chasing big dreams.

BREAKING THE ICETHE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE

BREAKING THE ICE

Brimming with exhilarating sound, this is a track that makes your heart start dancing.

“Break through the wall in front of you and move forward!” That straightforward passion overlaps with the energetic performance that is THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE’s hallmark, setting listeners’ souls ablaze.

Included as a coupling track on the single HARD HIT released in July 2018 and also featured on the album THE RAMPAGE the same year, this piece colored the fierce battles of high school baseball players as the theme song for the regional summer tournaments.

It’s truly an anthem of hope that gives you the courage to take that first step.