Koshien: That hit song too!? A comprehensive roundup of historic spring and summer march tunes

Let’s do our best.SMAP

[+81 DANCE STUDIO] SMAP – Let's Do Our Best / Performed by Travis Japan

This is a classic song by SMAP that celebrates tireless effort and an unwavering spirit, selected as the entrance march for the 67th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Its bright, forward-looking message blends perfectly with a distinctive, groove-filled rhythm.

Immediately after its release in September 1994, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also used as the opening theme for “Naruhodo! The World.” The track became a major hit, selling over 720,000 copies, and it’s a song that inspires the courage and hope to face challenges.

Sora-buneTOKIO

Sora-fune (Sky Ship) – TOKIO (Full)

A signature song by TOKIO, created as an anthem to cheer on people standing at important crossroads in life.

Its powerful message—carving out your own path by your own will—gives a push to countless high school ballplayers.

Released in August 2006, this work, which inspires courage and hope in the face of adversity, drew attention as the theme song for the drama “My Boss My Hero.” In March 2007, it was also chosen as the entrance march for the 79th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, stirring the hearts of young people aiming for Koshien.

It’s a gem of a track that we hope will be heard by anyone who keeps challenging themselves toward their dreams or is facing a turning point in life.

Youthful AmigoShūji to Akira

Seishun Amigo – Shuuji and 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

KinKi Kids “Garasu no Shōnen” Music Video

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

PUFFY 'That's the Way I Live' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

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.