Historic theme songs of Netto Koshien
Nettou Koshien is a special program broadcast on the TV Asahi network every year to coincide with the Summer Koshien tournament, starting in 1981.
The show is packed with everything about high school baseball—from highlights of the day’s games to the journeys players take to reach the Koshien stage, and the tears of those who end up on the losing side.
What makes the players’ passion shine even brighter are the theme songs performed each year by various artists.
Many viewers may find themselves moved to tears by the songs that play alongside the players’ intense efforts.
In this article, we’ll introduce the theme songs of Nettou Koshien!
You might even find the song that colored the game which shook your heart.
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Historic/All-time Koshien: The Heat of Summer Baseball – Theme Songs (11–20)
summer squallarashi
In 2018, when the National High School Baseball Championship celebrated its milestone 100th tournament, the theme song for “Nettō Kōshien” was Natsu Hayate, performed by the Johnny’s idol group Arashi.
The lyrics and composition were by Yujin Kitagawa of Yuzu, and the single reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
The intro, which begins with a piano phrase, has a refreshing feel—just like the high school baseball players who devote themselves to the game.
The limited first-edition High School Baseball version also includes a brass band arrangement of Natsu Hayate.
KanadeSukima Suichi
Kanade, Sukima Switch’s second single released in 2004, is a ballad that became one of their signature songs.
In 2006, it was used as the ending theme for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien.” Speaking of the 2006 tournament, it’s remembered as the “Legendary Koshien,” where the final between Komazawa Tomakomai and Waseda Jitsugyo featured a thrilling pitchers’ duel between Masahiro Tanaka and Yuki Saito.
Kanade, a song that seems to symbolize that tournament, is a moving classic that resonates with listeners—be sure to give it a listen!
prideGReeeeN
The song “pride” by GReeeeN—a vocal group balancing careers as dentists and artists—was used as the theme song for the 2012 ABC/TV Asahi program “Nettō Koshien.” It’s included on their fourth album, “Utautai ga Utautai ni Kite Utau tae to Iu ga Utautai ga Utautau dake Utai kireba Utautau keredomo Utautai dake Utautai kirenai kara Utautawanu!?” which reached No.
2 on the Oricon album chart.
It’s a masterpiece whose lyrics, seemingly depicting the earnest clashes of high school baseball players, really resonate—definitely give it a listen!
Summer Shade ~Natsukage~Suga Shikao
This is the 18th single by singer-songwriter Shikao Suga, known for his translucent voice and delicate lyrics.
Chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s Netto Koshien, the song is memorable for its poignant scenes that evoke the end of summer.
It paints small wishes within fleeting time, set to a melody that resonates with the heart.
Released in August 2005, it is also included on the album PARADE and is cherished as one of Suga’s signature songs.
It’s a perfect track for looking back on summer memories or taking a step into a new season.
Both For YouUrufuruzu
“Ryōhō For You,” sung by Ulfuls, is their 30th single, released in 2007.
It was selected as the unified theme song for Asahi Broadcasting’s summer high school baseball that year and was also used as the opening song for “Nettō Kōshien.” Tortoise Matsumoto, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, has said, “I’m from the Dokaben generation, so I love high school baseball.” With Tortoise’s soulful vocals and a sound that has a hint of Latin flair, “Ryōhō For You” is a perfect fit for the summer Koshien tournament.
It’s an energizing cheer song—be sure to give it a listen!
Sepia DayMinatani Naomi
Naomi Minatani’s song, selected in 1999 as the theme for Nettō Kōshien, centers on reflections on days gone by, farewells, and the anticipation of a new season.
It delicately portrays sepia-tinged memories, parting from someone dear, and the resolve to step into the future, stirring the listener’s heart.
The track was included on Minatani’s major-label debut single and peaked at No.
55 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a perfect song for those facing a turning point in life or cherishing precious memories.
Koshien: The Heat of Summer – Historical Theme Songs (21–30)
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
Shukumei is the third single by Official HIGE DANDism, released in 2019.
It was written as the 2019 ABC Summer High School Baseball Cheer Song and the theme song for Nettō Kōshien, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
The powerful brass section heard in the intro and chorus makes your heart race—it’s the perfect song for Koshien.
The lyrics, which evoke high school ballplayers fired up to make it to Koshien, make it a moving classic that stirs the soul.