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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.

Historic/All-time Koshien: The Heat of Summer Baseball – Theme Songs (11–20)

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video
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!

Blue Sky Beyond the Wire MeshOtsuka Junko

Junko Ohtsuka Junko Otsuka BLUE SKY Beyond the Wire Mesh (PV)
Blue Sky Beyond the Wire MeshOtsuka Junko

A signature work by Junko Otsuka, known as a memorable song that colors the hot summers of Koshien.

Chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Nettou Koshien” in 1990, it features lyrics that strikingly portray the expanse of blue sky one feels while watching youth baseball and the many emotions that arise from it.

Infused with the joy felt under a flawless blue sky and a tender regard for life’s small moments, the song reminds listeners to cherish every instant of youth.

Overlapping with the image of high school players devoting their youth to baseball, it’s a piece that surely brings many to tears.

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)

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

“Ato Hitotsu” is the 14th single by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, released in 2010.

It was used as the cheer song for Asahi Broadcasting’s “Summer High School Baseball” and as the theme song for ABC TV’s “Nettou Koshien,” and it reached No.

8 on the Oricon singles chart.

The music video features Masahiro Tanaka—who electrified Koshien in 2006 and later starred for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles and in Major League Baseball.

As one of FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ signature anthems, it’s a must-listen if you haven’t heard it yet!