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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

Koshien: That hit song too!? A complete showcase of historical entrance march songs for spring and summer (41–50)

Let It Go ~As I Am~

Takako Matsu – Let It Go ~Ari no mama de~ (From “Frozen”)

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.

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Flowers will bloom.Kadokura Yuki

Flowers will bloom.

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.

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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?