On March 25, 2025, Urawa Jitsugyo Gakuen High School, representing Saitama Prefecture, made history by defeating Tokai University Affiliated Sapporo High School with a score of 8-2, marking their first-ever appearance in the Koshien tournament for both spring and summer seasons. This victory propelled them into the top eight of the prestigious high school baseball championship.
Interestingly, the school's renowned cheerleading team was absent on this day, as they were participating in a national competition. In their place, the brass band club, consisting of 33 members and bolstered by alumni, took on the role of cheering for the team. Among them was 46-year-old Yoji Yamazaki, an alumnus who has pursued his dream of playing the trumpet at baseball games for nearly 30 years.
Yamazaki, who graduated from Urawa Jitsugyo in 1997, was inspired to pursue music after being captivated by the Yomiuri Giants' cheering squad at the Tokyo Dome during his junior high school days. "I was mesmerized by the energy and enthusiasm of the support, which led me to pick up an instrument myself," he recalled.
On the day of the match, the brass band, along with a cheering squad of approximately 650 supporters, rallied behind the team. Miyu Matsuoka, the head of the brass band club, emphasized their commitment to making up for the absence of the cheerleaders, stating, "Even without the cheerleaders, we won't lose in our support. We want to energize the team as much as we can."
Yamazaki, who has a physical disability that requires him to use crutches for mobility, played with remarkable passion. He wore a uniform gifted by coach Masahiko Habukawa, who had been his physical education teacher during his first year of high school. Yamazaki expressed his admiration for Habukawa, saying, "I immediately liked him. I don't know why, but he had a certain charisma that drew me in."
Despite not achieving a Koshien appearance during his time as a student, Yamazaki continued to attend games with his trumpet in hand, supporting the team through various tournaments, including summer selection tournaments and city-wide competitions. He reflected on how special it felt to finally see the team reach Koshien, stating, "This is the scene I have been waiting for 30 years. I was overwhelmed with emotion, and it felt surreal to be here."
Urawa Jitsugyo's journey to Koshien has been nothing short of miraculous. Their performance on March 25 showcased their determination and skill, as they scored eight runs in a dramatic extended tiebreaker. Coach Habukawa expressed his astonishment at the team's rapid progress, reminiscent of the glory days under coach Toyokawa 14 years ago. "This is incredible! We’ve achieved something amazing together," he said after the match.
As they continue their campaign, Urawa Jitsugyo is set to face off against Chiben Wakayama in the semi-finals on March 28, 2025, alongside Kenko Takasaki and Yokohama. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, with supporters rallying behind them. Yamazaki, reflecting on the team's journey, clenched his fists and stated, "I believe this sound is giving strength to the players. We want to keep supporting them as long as we can."
The spirit of camaraderie and support is evident as the team advances, with former players and supporters coming together to cheer on their school. Following their defeat, players from Seiko Gakuin even bowed to Urawa Jitsugyo, acknowledging the remarkable achievement of their opponents. This gesture of respect highlights the sportsmanship that is a cornerstone of high school athletics in Japan.
As Urawa Jitsugyo continues to make headlines, their story serves as an inspiration not only to their local community but also to aspiring athletes across the nation. The determination shown by both the current players and alumni like Yamazaki underscores the deep-rooted passion for baseball that transcends generations. With each game, they are not just playing for victory, but also fulfilling dreams that have been nurtured over decades.
In a world where sports can often be a source of division, Urawa Jitsugyo's journey to Koshien illustrates the unifying power of teamwork, perseverance, and community support. As they prepare for their upcoming match, the anticipation is high, and the hope is that their dream will continue to unfold on one of the biggest stages in high school sports.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Urawa Jitsugyo, eager to see if they can continue their remarkable run and perhaps even bring home a championship title. For now, the trumpet of Yamazaki and the cheers of the brass band will resonate through the stands, echoing the dreams and aspirations of a school that has finally made its mark on the Koshien stage.
