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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Koshien: The Heat of Summer – Historical Theme Songs (21–30)
On Your SideSuperfly
“On Your Side” is a track included on Superfly’s fifth album, “WHITE,” released in 2015.
It was written as the ABC Summer High School Baseball support song and the theme for “Nettou Koshien.” Composed by Los Angeles–born songwriter Bonnie McKee, “On Your Side” is a grand medium-tempo ballad whose lyrics—expressing the desire to be there for you—resonate with the friendships of high school baseball players, making it a beloved classic.
There’s even an anecdote that Superfly was so moved during recording that she couldn’t sing for a moment.
Be sure to give it a listen!
miracleSuga Shikao
“Miracle” is Shikao Suga’s 18th single, released in 2005.
It was chosen as the unified theme song for Asahi Broadcasting’s coverage of the 2005 National High School Baseball Championship and also used as the opening theme for “Nettō Kōshien.” It reached No.
9 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The track blends the funkiness and pop sensibility that are Suga’s trademarks, and it’s an irresistible dance tune with a striking contrast between the verse and the chorus.
The lyrics are also compelling, evoking the miraculous plays and dramatic comebacks that unfold at Koshien every year.
Koshien: The Hot-Blooded Summer’s Historical Theme Songs (31–40)
Glory Colors ~Door of the Wind~ZONE
ZONE’s 14th single, “glory colors ~Kaze no Tobira~,” was selected as the unified theme song for Asahi Broadcasting Corporation’s high school baseball programs, including the 2004 Nettou Koshien opening theme.
It reached No.
7 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
This powerful rock tune features lyrics that resonate with the importance of giving your all so you won’t have regrets.
The music video spotlights high school students in their youth—especially high school baseball players—so be sure to check it out!
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
“Natsu no Owari” (End of Summer) is Naotaro Moriyama’s third single, released in 2003.
That same year, it was used as the ending theme for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien,” and it reached No.
6 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The song features a somewhat nostalgic sound beautifully complemented by Moriyama’s vocals, evoking the bittersweet feeling of summer drawing to a close with the end of the Koshien tournament.
It’s a track I highly recommend listening to while looking back on the passionate plays of the high school baseball players.
Days of Light and ShadowAKB48
The song chosen as the theme for Netou Koshien and other TV Asahi high school baseball-related programs in 2016 was Hikari to Kage no Hibi, performed by AKB48.
Lyricist Yasushi Akimoto, who said “high school baseball players and AKB48 are similar,” wrote the lyrics as a message of encouragement to the hard-working players.
The music video highlights practicing high school baseball players and the brass band performing the music.
The lyrics, which sing about the importance of never giving up, are truly moving—be sure to give it a listen!
SUMMER BOYFujii Fumiya
“SUMMER BOY” is a track included on Fumiya Fujii’s 10th album, RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW!, released in 2003.
That same year, it was used as the opening theme for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s “Netto Koshien.” From that year onward, the opening theme of “Netto Koshien” also became the unified theme song for ABC’s Summer High School Baseball, so many people may associate “SUMMER BOY” with Koshien.
Its refreshing, summer-evoking lyrics are striking, and the sound is a full-throttle rock tune bursting with heat—making it a perfect song for the season!
Wind of AugustGanaha Mina
This is a track by Mina Ganaha that carries the slightly wistful air of late summer while gently giving you the strength to step into tomorrow.
It has a warmth that feels like a pleasant breeze softly wrapping around both the joy and frustration of days you gave your all.
Featured on the single “Owaranai Natsu / Hachigatsu no Kaze,” released in July 2002, it’s remembered by many with deep emotion as the ending theme of “Nettou Koshien.” It’s a gentle anthem of encouragement that supports the ballplayers who have finished a summer of fierce battles—and everyone standing at a turning point in life.