Koshien: That hit song too!? A comprehensive roundup of historic spring and summer march tunes
The Spring and Summer Koshien tournaments sweep countless people up in a whirl of emotion! Many of you have probably been moved to tears by the passionate battles fought by the high school players.
All the more so when your local high school keeps advancing.
One hallmark of Koshien is the entrance march.
At the Spring Invitational, popular recent Japanese songs are used, while at the Summer Koshien, Yamada Kosaku’s “Tournament Marching Song” is played.
In this article, we’ve collected the marching pieces through the years, focusing on the songs chosen for the Spring Invitational.
You might just find that one piece you’ve been wanting to hear again!
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[Koshien] That hit song too!? A comprehensive look at the historic spring and summer marching songs (1–10)
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI
This is a classic by Hikaru Genji that seems to capture the very essence of youthful brilliance and even sparked a social phenomenon.
Just listening to it likely brings back memories of one’s younger days for many people.
Released in March 1988, the song won the Japan Record Award that year and was selected as the march for the 1989 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The lyrics, filled with the courage to challenge the unknown, ignite the hearts of young people across generations.
It’s the perfect anthem to powerfully push forward those who are earnestly striving toward their dreams.
Thank youikimonogakari
A medium-tempo tune by Ikimono-gakari, written as the theme song for NHK’s 2010 morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
The lyrics are striking in how they view parting from a loved one with clarity and optimism.
Though there’s sadness and loneliness, the words that move the heart speak of moving forward while holding onto a feeling of “gratitude” for having met.
Farewells, defeats, and hardships are part of life.
This is a supportive song that feels like a page from youth, facing those things head-on and treating them as one of the steps toward the future.
Don’t give upZARD
The 1994 Senbatsu High School Baseball march.
It carries the message, “No matter how hard it gets, I want to have the strength not to lose to myself.” Many high schools use it as a fight song, and a notable point is that each has its own unique arrangement.
It also sounds like it’s sending a cheer to the ballplayers fighting for the pride of their hometowns: “There are people cheering you on from afar, so fight to the very end!”
Koshien: That hit song too!? A roundup of historic spring and summer entrance march tunes (11–20)
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
A quintessential pop tune by AKB48 set to a rhythm that evokes a nostalgic disco sound.
The choreography by Papaya Suzuki—nicknamed the “Onigiri Dance”—also became a hot topic.
Released in 2013, it was a major hit and was chosen as the entrance march for the 86th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Even when times are tough, tomorrow’s winds will blow—let’s keep looking forward! The lyrics gently give you a push, and the warm, tender vocals wrap around you, making this a refreshing number that leaves you feeling happy.
There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu & Re:Japan
“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
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.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This is a song by Hikaru Utada filled with the sweet-and-sour feelings of first love and a heart-wrenching sense of longing.
Even if you end up walking separate paths, the feelings you had for the other person and the form of love they taught you remain in your heart.
Utada’s soul-stirring vocals portray those pure emotions.
Released in April 1999 as a single from the debut album “First Love,” the track also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Joken,” starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa.
In 2000, it colored the players’ fresh start as the march for the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.