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[Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones, All Introduced at Once
A school anthem that resonates in everyone’s heart, alongside irreplaceable memories of youth.
Lyrics that convey nostalgia and pride, a majestic melody, and the exhilaration of singing together with friends.
Japan is home to countless school songs that leave you spellbound.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected especially captivating anthems from schools across the country—ones you’ll want to tell someone about right away! From beautifully moving pieces to quirky songs with a unique worldview, and even cool, contemporary numbers, we’ll introduce a wide range of standouts.
[Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! From Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones—A Comprehensive Showcase (1–10)
School Song of Yokohama High School
At Koshien Stadium, with every victory it rings out, and its grandeur and forward-looking lyrics have made it a hot topic as “cool”: the school anthem of Yokohama High School.
Established in September 1951, the piece was created by two of the era’s leading cultural figures: poet Atsujiro Oyama and composer Akiyoshi Minokuri.
Its sweeping lyrics shift perspective from Yokohama’s port to the world, and then to the future—an overwhelming sense of scale.
The stately, march-like melody powerfully spurs on anyone about to take on a great challenge.
It is a hope-filled school anthem that we want all who carry a passion to pioneer the future to hear.
Wakayama Nanyō High School Anthem
This song, unveiled at the regional high school baseball tournament and drawing major attention as a “reggae school anthem,” was created for Wakayama Nanryo High School by the reggae group INFINITY16, singer WARSAN, and Sho Yokokawa.
Aiming to make a fresh start after overcoming numerous troubles, the new anthem was introduced in June 2024.
Its lively reggae rhythm overturns the solemn image of traditional school songs, and its down-to-earth message—singing about joining hands with friends, getting covered in mud, and moving toward the future—truly stirs the heart.
Hamamatsu Kaiseikan High School Song
This song portrays the growth of young people taking proud flight into the future with a deep love for their hometown of Hamamatsu.
The lyrics and music were written by singer-songwriter Kei Ogura, who has ties to Hamamatsu, and it was established in June 2018 to commemorate the school’s 20th anniversary.
The song celebrates not only the honing of intellect and physical strength, but also the nurturing of gratitude and a heart that respects and loves others, built through mutual support among friends—all set to a majestic yet approachable melody.
It drew widespread attention when it was sung after the baseball team earned its first victory at the Summer Koshien in 2023.
Saibi High School Anthem
Saibi High School actually has two songs, each inspiring students with its own unique charm.
The one performed at Koshien in recent years is a pop-style piece created to commemorate the school’s 100th anniversary.
Its powerful message that pushes dreamers forward is also known for having been quoted in a speech by the then–Prime Minister in October of that same year.
In contrast, the traditional school anthem established in 1934 is a solemn work with koto accompaniment, composed by Michio Miyagi, a master of modern Japanese music.
Both are school songs filled with magical words that resonate with those striving toward their goals.
Kochi Chuo High School Song
This is a school song crafted by singer-songwriter Junko Yano that feels just like a graduation song.
With the innovative decision to omit the school name and place names, its universal lyrics resonate with each listener’s personal memories.
The song drew major attention when it was sung in August 2023, after the school won its first game at the Summer Koshien.
Set to a gentle, waltz-like folk melody over calm piano, it speaks softly and tenderly, conveying the message that we ourselves will protect our hometowns and alma maters—giving courage to all who listen.
Toyohashi Chuo High School Anthem
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.
School Song of Niigata Sangyo University Affiliated High School
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.