[Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones, All Introduced at Once

School Song of Niigata Sangyo University Affiliated High School

[Championship] Niigata Sangyo University Affiliated High School School Song (2024, 106th Tournament)

A song that drew great attention when it debuted at the Summer Koshien in August 2024.

Exceptionally rare for a school anthem, it’s written in a three-beat waltz tempo, and its graceful, rhythmic melody was praised on social media as “just like Studio Ghibli music.” The lyrics evoke grand imagery—endless skies, seas that carry culture, and distant peaks—richly expressing the boundless hopes of youth and the strong bonds of friendship.

This beautiful melody rang out triumphantly in moments of victory, surely leaving a deep impression on many hearts.

School Song of Takasaki University of Health and Welfare Takasaki High School

School Song of Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, Takasaki High School

Takasaki Health and Welfare University Takasaki High School in Gunma Prefecture was originally a girls’ school, but it became coeducational in 2001 (Heisei 13).

Just ten years later, in 2011 (Heisei 23), it made its first appearance in the National High School Baseball Championship and earned its first national victory.

The school song’s lyrics were written by Kayoko Fuyumori, and the music was composed by Koichi Sakata.

Incidentally, the school’s uniforms are said to have been designed by the world-renowned designer Hanae Mori.

Meihou High School Anthem

Kōsuke Minami in high school baseball — Koshien

The school song of Meiho High School in Oita Prefecture was composed by musician Kosetsu Minami, who is from Oita, with lyrics written by his wife, Ikuyo Minami.

Titled “A Journey to Tomorrow,” it features a refreshingly characteristic Kosetsu Minami style that makes it especially appealing.

While most school songs include the school’s name in the lyrics, one distinctive aspect of this song is that the name does not appear.

Osaka Toin High School Song

[Championship] Osaka Toin High School School Song (2024, 106th Tournament)

A song that plays with every victory at Koshien and has become familiar to many baseball fans.

It was created around 1988, when the school became independent, and is notable for its majestic, dignified organ sound.

The lyrics powerfully depict young people single-mindedly striving and honing their skills together, inspiring not only the ballplayers who advance steadily toward their goals but also anyone devoted to a pursuit.

The episode of professional baseball player and alumnus Shintaro Fujinami posting a line from the lyrics on social media in December 2024 also shows how this piece has become a source of support for many.

Komatsugawa High School Song

27th Tokyo School Anthem Festival: Tokyo Metropolitan Komatsugawa High School Anthem

This is a piece passed down at Tokyo Metropolitan Komatsugawa High School, notable for its majestic mixed four-part chorus.

Composed by Mareo Ishiketa, it was established in January 1951.

Its greatest appeal is, above all, the authentic harmony.

It’s said to be so difficult that even current students find it extremely hard to master.

Written in classical literary Japanese, the dignified lyrics weave in local scenery such as the Arakawa River and the clock tower, while expressing young people’s hopes for the future, drawing listeners into its grand worldview.

It’s a timeless masterpiece loved across generations—one that fans of classical, richly satisfying choral works should definitely experience.

Nihon University Yamagata High School Song

Nihon University Yamagata High School Song

Its structure opens with a resounding English phrase that leaves a vivid impression on listeners.

It’s a work brimming with unconventional charm—so much so that the anecdote about lyricist Kotaro Jimbo choosing it with firm conviction feels entirely convincing.

The lyrics depict hometown scenes such as the majestic silhouette of Mount Zao and the flow of the Mogami River, and you can almost see the passionate students raising their voices together with their peers.

Because it’s performed at high school baseball tournaments and draws attention for its uniqueness each time, many of you may already be familiar with it.

Meitoku Gijuku High School Anthem

[Championship] Meitoku Gijuku High School School Song (2024, 106th Tournament)

That school anthem from Kochi—the one that plays with every victory at Koshien and is surely familiar to many baseball fans.

From a campus surrounded by majestic nature, the lyrics conjure up refreshing scenes like clear skies and sparkling water.

The song carries a passionate message to young people: walk straight along the “path of truth.” It became widely known through its use at the National High School Baseball Championship.

When the team won its first title in the summer of 2002, the resounding melody etched itself into many people’s memories.

It’s a heartening piece whose dignified march rhythm powerfully propels those who single-mindedly strive toward their goals.