On March 22, 2025, Koshien Stadium was the stage for an exciting and culturally rich face-off between Shiga Gakuen and Urawa Jitsugyo of Saitama, as the two schools collided during the first round of the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.
The matchup was particularly captivating, drawing inspiration from the popular 2019 film "Fly Me to the Saitama." This movie, adapted from a gag manga, humorously depicts the quirks of Saitama Prefecture, making it a fitting backdrop for a game between these two schools.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the cheering squad of Shiga Gakuen showcased their renowned "Kireッキレ Dance" which had garnered much attention during last summer's tournament. This dance, accompanied by the energetic performance of a 250-member cheering squad, included 80 brass band members and five newly introduced songs to amplify enthusiasm in the stands.
As the game commenced, the stands echoed with cheers and excitement, particularly from the Shiga Gakuen's cheering section. Representing the spirit of their team, the members flaunted their dance skills during Shiga Gakuen's turn at bat, performing the "Kireッキレ Dance" to the video game music "Mega Lo Mania." This lively rendition caught the eye of viewers tuning in to NHK's national broadcast.
The performance of the Shiga Gakuen cheering team was eloquently noted by an NHK announcer, who remarked on the passing down of this dance tradition through generations of cheerleaders. Social media buzzed with comments highlighting the rekindling of this popular dance style, with many fans expressing their delight at its revival.
Despite the engaging atmosphere and the energetic performances, the match reached a dramatic turn. Urawa Jitsugyo showcased their pitching prowess through the skills of their left-handed ace, Akitaka Ishido. Ishido's remarkable performance held Shiga Gakuen scoreless through the fifth inning, successfully neutralizing their dangerous batting lineup with an impressive ability to change speeds and create confusion among batters.
Shiga Gakuen's ace pitcher, Reiki Nagasaki, initially exhibited strong control, preventing runs for the first four innings. However, a crucial shift occurred in the fifth inning when Nagasaki allowed three runs, which changed the game's momentum. The opposing team capitalized on this opportunity with crucial hits that sent Shiga Gakuen reeling, although they created several scoring chances throughout the match.
Despite Shiga Gakuen's valiant attempts to stage a comeback, including a promising seventh-inning moment where they loaded the bases, they were unable to convert their efforts into runs as they finished the game without scoring. With a final tally of 3-0, Urawa Jitsugyo earned their first victory at Koshien since the school’s inception, marking a significant moment in their sports history.
Cheering squad leader Kota Matsuda, who took the reins this year, shared insight into their high spirits and preparations, saying, "We will show the best choreography and the best excitement. We want to give the players the best support for their best play." His words resonated with the audience, reflecting the passion and dedication that permeated the event.
The fallout from this first-round matchup left Shiga Gakuen grappling with disappointment, as they were unable to secure their long-awaited victory at the tournament, having last won in the spring eight years ago. Fans, however, took to social media to express their support for the team, emphasizing the importance of their spirited dance, camaraderie, and unique heritage.
Ultimately, this game was more than just a battle on the baseball field; it represented the intersection of sports and culture, bringing communities together to celebrate their victories and echoes of past traditions. The irresistible charm of high school baseball in Japan thrives on not only the games but the shared joy and cultural expressions they foster.
As the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament continues, the passion shown by both schools and their unique histories will remain in the hearts of those who attended and tuned in from afar, continuing to inspire future generations of aspiring athletes and cheerleaders.
