For the first time in 74 years, Toyohashi is heading to the summer Koshien. Toyohashi Chuo High School emerged victorious in the intense final of the Aichi Prefecture high school baseball tournament, which even went into extra innings with a tiebreaker. Even a day after the fierce battle, the excitement continues to ripple through the local community.

The city of Toyohashi is buzzing with joy and anticipation over its first Koshien appearance in 74 years—

“I’m so happy. Toyohashi hasn’t made it to Koshien in so long. Their batting is powerful, so I think they can win a few games.” (60s)

“They’ve beaten strong teams in Aichi, so I expect them to do well.” (60s)

A mother with a high school senior daughter shared—

“Just standing on Koshien’s stage is incredible. I hope they enjoy it and play with the spirit of Toyohashi’s citizens and the schools in Aichi that narrowly missed out.” (50s)

The joy spreads even here.

This is the father of Toyohashi Chuo’s ace pitcher, Taiki Takahashi.

Even in the stands on the 27th, he stood out more than anyone—

“I tend to get too excited. Looking back, I might have overdone it during the fifth inning yesterday.” (Taiki Takahashi’s father, Katsuyoshi)

He and Coach Hagimoto share a local senior-junior relationship. When the matchups were decided, the coach told him something surprising.

“When the coach said Taiki would pitch complete games from the quarterfinals onward, I doubted it—but he actually did it. I was stunned.” (Taiki’s father, Katsuyoshi)

A former high school baseball player himself, Katsuyoshi encourages his son to stay focused and play without regrets.

“Koshien has over 40,000 spectators. I hope he doesn’t get too carried away by the excitement and just focuses on his pitching, leaving nothing behind.” (Taiki’s father, Katsuyoshi)

Toyohashi

Toyohashi is a city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, known for its historical significance and vibrant culture. It developed as a key transportation hub during the Edo period (1603–1868) and is home to the Yoshida Castle ruins, which played a role in regional defense. Today, Toyohashi is also famous for its bustling fishing port, delicious eel dishes, and the Toyohashi Zoo & Botanical Park.

Koshien

Koshien is a famous baseball stadium located in Nishinomiya, Japan, and is the home of the Hanshin Tigers. Opened in 1924, it is best known for hosting the annual National High School Baseball Championship, a prestigious tournament deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The stadium is a symbol of Japan’s passion for baseball and has become an iconic landmark in Japanese sports history.

Toyohashi Chuo High School

Toyohashi Chuo High School is a public high school located in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1901, it has a long history of academic excellence and is known for its strong emphasis on both education and extracurricular activities, particularly in sports and cultural events. The school has produced many notable alumni and remains a respected institution in the region.

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture, located in central Japan, is a vibrant region known for its industrial prowess, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is home to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, and historic sites like Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 by the Tokugawa shogunate. Aichi also played a key role in Japan’s modernization, hosting major companies like Toyota and serving as a hub for traditional crafts such as ceramics and textiles.

Toyohashi City Hall

Toyohashi City Hall is the administrative center of Toyohashi, a city in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The building serves as the headquarters for local government operations, including public services and city planning. While the current structure is modern, it reflects Toyohashi’s development as a key regional hub since its official designation as a city in 1906.