Experience the Fervor of High School Baseball!
At the beginning of August, everyone in Japan turns their attention to the National High School Baseball Championships—better known as Koshien. When the gates of Hanshin Koshien Stadium swing open, fans flock out in droves in support of their team, with TV stations broadcasting play live every day.
By Jinichi Segawa
Players who shine at Koshien have a chance at being drafted by pro baseball teams, meaning the tournament acts as a stepping stone to the majors. The powerhouse teams are incredibly talented, so keep an eye out for the next Ichiro Suzuki—who also played here in his day!
You can see students, families, alumni and general citizens from each school's hometown religiously cheer on their team as the tension rises.
It's also a big day for the cheerleaders, who get their local fans pumped up to the accompaniment of the school’s brass band.
High school baseball in Japan is considered a part of students' education, and emphasis is also placed on the players' display courtesy and sportsmanship. In particular, they're sure to bow at the start and end of each game, a 100-year tradition that it wouldn't be inappropriate to call an aspect of Japanese culture.
Perhaps the most symbolic part of the tournament is the scoreboard behind the stadium's deep outfield seats. Just the sight of it conjures up memories of the tournament for many Japanese people: this is how much the National High School Baseball Championship is embedded in the nation's consciousness. It's an exhilarating summertime event that you definitely won't want to miss!
All About's photography guide is a professional photographer who also offers seminars, with tips on techniques from scenery to product shots all over Japan. He studied at the University of Wisconsin and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His work in All About Japan focuses on Japanese traditional and pop culture, as well as photography.
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