Baseball is popular sports in Japan.
Among all the tournaments, Koshien stands out as a yearly highlight.
Koshien — it’s the name of the home stadium of the professional baseball team Hanshin Tigers, but it can also refer to the National High School Baseball Championship held in summer.
About Koshien
- Held every year in early to mid-August
- Features 49 champion schools from all prefectures (Hokkaido and Tokyo send two teams each)
- Played at Hanshin Koshien Stadium, home of the Hanshin Tigers
- About 3,700–4,000 schools across Japan take part in the preliminary tournaments each year
- The first championship was held in 1915
In 2025, it will be the 107th tournament, with a five-year break during World War II (1941–1945)
In other words, the tournament has a history spanning over 110 years!
There are two nationwide high school baseball tournaments — one in spring and one in summer — but the summer Koshien holds a special place in the hearts of both players and the public.
The tournament is broadcast live by Japan’s national public broadcaster, NHK, from the very first round of the tournament.
There are hardly any other sports that receive such treatment as Koshien.
Every high school player dreams of winning at Koshien.
Why Is It So Exciting?
Unpredictable plays by high school athletes
Koshien is full of dramatic twists and turns.
Until the very last out in the ninth inning, anything can happen
Passionate cheering
At the national level, each school’s cheering section is intense.
Students from outside the baseball club, members of the brass band, alumni — everyone comes together to cheer.
The live performances of pop songs and original tunes create a powerful atmosphere.
Tears that are simply too beautiful
The refreshing spirit of high school players giving their all, their smiles, and the tears they shed in defeat touch the hearts of people all across Japan.
Players who will carry the future of Japan
Shohei Ohtani and Ichiro Suzuki also once experienced this Koshien.
Every year, a few young players who draw attention even from MLB scouts emerge.
It is truly exciting to watch how far these talented athletes can go.
Families and alumni who can’t make it to the stadium gather together to cheer as one.
Even people who don’t usually watch baseball often make an exception for Koshien.
Game results are featured daily on TV and in the news, and special Koshien magazines are even published — proof of how much attention the tournament draws.
If you ever get a chance to experience Koshien in Japan, don’t miss it.
Thanks for reading!