[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.
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[Japanese School Anthems] A Hot Topic at Koshien! A Comprehensive Introduction to Everything from Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones (11–20)
Anan Hikari High School Song
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.
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.
PL Gakuen School Song
This is the school song of PL Gakuen, which opened in April 1955.
The school song was established in February 1962, and in March of that year the school made its first appearance in the 34th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Many high school baseball fans are likely familiar with this song.
It is said to be based on the meaning of “Live in true freedom.”
Uemiya High School Song
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
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.
Meihou High School Anthem
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.
[Japanese School Songs] A Hot Topic at Koshien! A Comprehensive Showcase from Beautiful Anthems to Unique Ones (21–30)
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.