On March 7, 2025, the draw for the 97th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament was held in Osaka, and the matchups for the first round involving 32 participating schools were announced. Among the notable teams, Yokohama Seiryo High School, making its debut not only at the spring tournament but also for summer events under the 21st Century Frame, is set to play its first game on the fourth day of the tournament, March 21, 2025, at 9:00 AM against Koryo High School.
Yokohama Seiryo's coach, Shinta Nohara, reflected on the upcoming challenge against Koryo High School, which finished as the runner-up at the Meiji Jingu Tournament held last November. Nohara expressed, "A wonderful team, as they come to fight as one. I understand their strength." Given the opponent's impressive track record, Nohara recognizes the difficulty this match presents, emphasizing the preparation and mindset needed as they enter this prestigious tournament.
This appearance at the Senbatsu marks a historic milestone, as Yokohama Seiryo is the first public school from Kanagawa Prefecture to participate since 1997, following Yokohama Commercial High School. Even more significantly, if we look strictly at prefectural schools, this marks the first entry since Shonan High School did so 71 years ago in 1954.
Nohara, who experienced victory at Koshien as the catcher for Tokai Sagami High School back in 2000, will find himself returning to this iconic venue after 25 years, albeit with different circumstances this time. The 21st Century Frame, introduced as special recognition for schools exhibiting unique traits beyond baseball athleticism, such as overcoming challenges and contributing to their communities, has paved the way for this rare opportunity.
Despite the historical significance of their participation, Yokohama Seiryo’s achievements speak volumes about their growth, having edged past limits of expectations over the last four years by advancing to the semi-finals of the prefectural tournament once each season: spring, summer, and fall. Nohara’s squad, consisting of 25 dedicated members, relies greatly on their collective strengths rather than individual standout performances.
Nohara has emphasized the essence of autonomy within the team, allowing players to take charge of their activities. He remarked, "We will proceed by focusing on our own baseball, without fear of powerful schools." This philosophy is rooted deeply within the team culture, as they strive not to be intimidated by their competitors.
During this time, the significance of becoming part of the national conversation is accentuated for Yokohama Seiryo, particularly with Kanagawa marking its first representative at the tournament in 24 years. Nohara emphasized the collaborative environment cultivated within the team, where decisions involve input from players rather than merely delegative leadership. He elaborated, "It is not about simply handing over responsibilities but working together to refine our practices and strategies. We are building our own rules and menus as we progress," reflecting their commitment to creating their path forward.
With no singular star players overshadowing the team, their “thoroughness” remains the greatest asset. Each player’s diligence and willingness to uphold their practices have become their hallmark, leading to the respect they command from other schools across the region. This ethos has established Yokohama Seiryo as one of the top public schools within their highly competitive prefecture.
This year, the excitement surrounding the tournament has reached new heights, with fans eagerly anticipating how Yokohama Seiryo will perform on the national stage. The community's support has been overwhelming, rallying behind their local team as they aim to challenge the established norms and showcase their talents at Koshien.
March 21 will mark not just the debut of Yokohama Seiryo at Koshien but also symbolize the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from both players and coaching staff. The lessons learned through autonomy, teamwork, and resilience will be integral as they take their first steps onto the storied diamond.