Kyoto International High School Reaches Koshien Quarterfinals with Dramatic Comeback, Korean School Anthem Echoes Across Stadium

Kyoto International High School, a Korean heritage institution based in Japan, secured a place in the quarterfinals of the prestigious National High School Baseball Championship—commonly known as “Summer Koshien”—by pulling off a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory in their second-round match.

On August 16, at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Hyogo Prefecture, Kyoto International battled against Jinsei Gakuen from Kagawa, Shikoku. The team took an early lead in the first inning, only to fall behind in the fifth after conceding two runs. However, Kyoto International rallied in the top of the eighth inning, scoring two crucial runs to regain the lead. The team’s ace, Nishimura Ikki, took the mound from the sixth inning onward and delivered scoreless pitching to preserve the victory.

The quarterfinal will be held on August 19, where Kyoto International will face Yamanashi Gakuin High School, which advanced after a commanding 14-0 win earlier in the day.

Notably, Kyoto International High School’s anthem, sung in Korean, opens with the line: “Across the East Sea to the land of Yamato, this sacred place is where our ancestors’ ancient dreams lie.” As in previous matches, students gathered after their victory to sing the Korean-language anthem—a scene broadcast nationwide via NHK, capturing widespread attention.

Meanwhile, Kyoto Prefecture and Kyoto City authorities have recently requested the deletion of three hate speech postings, including “Go back to Joseon,” directed at Kyoto International High School on social media. The request was made to the Kyoto District Legal Affairs Bureau. Both authorities had previously called for the removal of discriminatory remarks and restraint from hate speech following Kyoto International High School’s victory in last year’s Summer Koshien.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency