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 complete showcase of historic entrance march tunes for the spring and summer tournaments (31–40)
Flower of loveaimyon
This song features a gentle melody and lyrics full of kindness that wrap around the heart like soft spring sunlight.
Its warm atmosphere, which sings of love for a cherished person and the preciousness of life, resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in June 2023 and written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Ranman,” it was also chosen as the entrance march for the 96th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in March 2024.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side in moments you want to share with someone important or when you’re about to take a new step forward.
Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira
A single that unfolds like a coming-of-age drama, portraying the friendship and conflicts of two young men.
The protagonists, who left their hometowns to chase their dreams, convey a poignant longing and burning passion that strikes the heart.
Created by the duo Shuuji to Akira—Tomohisa Yamashita and Kazuya Kamenashi—the song was released in November 2005 and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 2006 National High School Baseball Tournament, becoming beloved as a rousing youth anthem.
It’s a warm, powerful cheer song that celebrates the bond between close friends and gives you the courage to charge toward your dreams.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
A signature song by KinKi Kids that expresses the fragile, glass-like heart of a boy, themed around the transience and bittersweetness of youth.
Released in July 1997, the track beautifully balances refreshing vocals with delicate expression, portraying the journey of growing up while bearing the pain and conflicts of love.
It was also selected as the entrance march for the 70th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1998.
Despite its dark atmosphere, the catchy, familiar melody line shines through, making it a cool and memorable song.
This is my way of life.PUFFY
A gem of a pop tune that captures everyday joy and gratitude with a sprightly rhythm and a catchy melody.
It resonates powerfully—alongside a youthful vocal—with the courage to move forward as yourself without fearing failure, and with a spirit of kindness toward those around you.
Released in October 1996, it became a major hit, topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks, and drew attention as the song for Shiseido Tissra’s commercial.
In the spring of 1997, it was chosen as the entrance march for the 69th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, lending color to the hopeful send-off of the players.
It’s a song that gently yet firmly gives a push to anyone pursuing a dream or about to take a new step.
Let It Go ~As I Am~
The theme song from Disney’s animated film Frozen, which was a huge hit in 2013.
As the title suggests, its message—“It’s okay to be yourself”—ties in with the film’s story, and in the Japanese version, Takako Matsu’s powerful, soaring vocals really strike a chord.
It’s a straightforward anthem that can give you positive energy when you hit a bit of a rough patch, feel like you might lose heart, or are facing a decisive moment—like right before a high school baseball game.
Koshien: That hit song too!? A complete showcase of historical entrance march songs for spring and summer (41–50)
budKobukuro
The musical duo Kobukuro.
One of the songs they’re known for—also the one that won them the Japan Record Award—is “Tsubomi.” It was originally written as a theme song for a TV drama.
However, because of its powerful message, it was chosen as the entrance music for the opening ceremony of the National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The song likens people who struggle to achieve results or harbor unfulfilled feelings to buds, conveying that they will eventually bloom.
The lyrics, tinged with a certain loneliness yet also strength, have given courage to many players.
Flowers will bloom.Kadokura Yuki
Released in 2012 as a charity song for the Great East Japan Earthquake, it was chosen as the entrance march for the 85th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The lyrics were written by Shunji Iwai from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and the music and arrangement were by Yoko Kanno, also from Sendai.
The song is depicted from the perspective of someone who lost their life in the disaster.
Like a single flower blooming in a barren field, there is a ray of light—a glimmer of hope—even in the deepest despair.
Holding wishes and dreams for the future in our hearts, we want to remember the strong resolve—akin to a quiet determination—to face forward calmly that is woven into this song.
In conclusion
Just hearing them brings back iconic moments from high school baseball and the youthful days of players who now shine in the pros… they were all such classics.
It’s also fun to follow the J-pop scene and predict, “What songs will they use next year?” Why not soak in the Koshien excitement while listening to the tracks introduced in this article?