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

Toyohashi Chuo High School Anthem

[Championship] Toyohashi Chuo High School School Song (2025, 107th Tournament)

This is a captivating song with a refreshing folk-rock vibe that overturns the conventional image of a school anthem.

Adopted in 1997 as the school song of Toyohashi Chuo High School, it opens with the natural scenery of the hometown and unfolds into a universal message that likens youthful struggles and hopes to a journey beneath the stars—one that resonates deeply with listeners.

It also played when the school made its first appearance at the National High School Baseball Championship in the summer of 2025, and its catchy phrases that unite the cheering section became a major topic on social media.

With an emotional melody that vividly brings back the days of youth sung in unison with friends, it’s a school song that leaves a lasting impression.

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.

Anan Hikari High School Song

“Divine song” and “super beautiful”: The school song of Anan Hikari High School (Tokushima), which qualified for the tournament, is trending.

This is the school anthem composed for a new high school in Tokushima Prefecture that was established in 2018.

The lyrics were written by haiku poet Sho Otaka, and the music was composed by Norihito Sumitomo, who is also active in film scoring.

The lyrics are deeply moving, likening the image of bamboo—a local specialty—rising straight up toward the sky to the students’ growth and future.

What’s remarkable about this piece is its dramatic structure: it modulates four times within a single song.

As you sing, the sense of elation steadily builds, making your heart swell just by listening.

Performed at Koshien in March 2024, it became widely known as an anthem that cheers on those who dare to take on new challenges.

Sanuki Kita Elementary School Song

Sanuki Kita Elementary School Song

In April 2014, three schools—Chuo Elementary School, Kamobe Elementary School, and Oda Elementary School—were merged to form Sanuki Kita Elementary School.

The lyrics and music were written by Keisuke Shirakawa, resulting in lyrics that are easy to understand yet rich with meaning.

There is also a two-part choral arrangement, making it a compelling piece as a choral work.

Uemiya High School Song

School Song of Uemiyā High School

Uemiyā High School, established in Osaka City in 1890 with the Jōdo-shū (Pure Land) sect as its foundation, became coeducational in 2011 after having been a boys’ school.

The lyrics of the school song use words spoken by the school’s founder, Honen Shonin, about the Buddha’s compassion, and the song is titled “Tsukikage” (“Moonlight”).

It has also drawn attention as a school song with one of the shortest sets of lyrics.

Shigakukan High School Song

Dream Chaser, Shigakkan High School School Song

This is the school song of Shigakukan High School in Aichi Prefecture.

It’s a school with nationwide name recognition that competes at Koshien in high school baseball.

The school song, titled “Yume-Oibito” (Dream Chaser), feels refreshingly unlike a typical school anthem, in a good way that seems to reflect the times.

It’s the kind of song everyone wants to sing, and one that becomes a cheer song for anyone.

With a school song like that, you naturally want to sing it enthusiastically at school events.