2023/09/08
The Keio Senior High School baseball team won the national championship at the 105th National High School Baseball Championship (Summer Koshien) for the first time in 107 years.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the local community members, Keio University alumni, and all other affiliates for their warm support.
On Friday, September 1, Manager Takahiko Moribayashi and the baseball team members visited the Japan Newspaper Museum, the Asahi Shimbun Yokohama General Bureau, Television Kanagawa, the Kanagawa Shimbun, Yokohama City Hall, and the Kanagawa Prefectural Office. The ceremonies held at Yokohama City Hall and the Kanagawa Prefectural Office drew large crowds, and the baseball team reported on their victory and expressed their gratitude for everyone's support.
On Saturday, September 2, a victory celebration hosted by the Hiyoshi Club (the high school baseball team's alumni association) was held at the Hiyoshi Campus, where Captain Kiyoharu Omura presented the championship flag to Principal Takeshi Akuzawa. Principal Akuzawa encouraged the baseball team members, saying, "Respect your rivals, including Sendai Ikuei, whom you faced in the finals, as well as other teams in Kanagawa and across the country. Also, do not forget your primary duty as students. Study hard, have various experiences, and broaden your horizons as individuals." Many Keio-affiliated people gathered, and in addition to a video message from President Ito, congratulatory speeches were given by the guests.
Manager Moribayashi said, "I've heard so many 'thank yous' and 'congratulations,' but I want to say those same words right back to all of you." Director Koki Akamatsu stated, "This was a victory won by the entire team, and it was only possible because of the tremendous support we received," and Captain Omura expressed his gratitude, saying, "There are no happier high school baseball players than us."
The special stage performance by the three cheering groups was a great success, and during the singing of "Wakaki-chi," the players, who had received such loud cheers this summer, were seen with their arms around each other's shoulders, singing joyfully. The event was a friendly and pleasant gathering from start to finish.
We ask for your continued support for the team.
Photos by Akisue Takematsu and others