Sapporo Nihon University High School Baseball Team, thank you for your hard work. And thank you! The smiles and human character you showed at Koshien

The Koshien opening game against the national powerhouse Sendai Ikuei

On August 5, 2026, the opening game of the 108th National High School Baseball Championship took place. Sapporo Nihon University High School, representing South Hokkaido, faced off against one of the nation's leading powerhouses, Sendai Ikuei High School.

The result was Sapporo Nihon University 1–3 Sendai Ikuei.

As expected of Sendai Ikuei. They were a truly strong team with power in both pitching and batting.

However, Sapporo Nihon University did not give up until the very end. In the 9th inning, they created a chance to tie the game with one hit, pushing Sendai Ikuei to the limit until the final moment. I think it was a wonderful game that was even more compelling than the score suggests.The game results also report that they created a scoring opportunity to tie the game in the 9th inning.

What stayed in my heart the most was the 'smiles'

While cheering in front of the TV, what left a particularly strong impression on me were the 'smiles' of the Sapporo Nihon University players.

The grand stage of Koshien. And it was the opening game, at that.

I imagine they were under tension and pressure beyond what I could ever conceive. Even so, the way they called out to each other and the smiles they occasionally showed were truly wonderful.

Of course, this is a competition, so they gave their all aiming for victory.

But I felt once again that the appeal of high school baseball is not just about winning or losing.

Trusting your teammates, looking forward even in difficult times, and never giving up until the end. And being yourself even on a big stage.

I think the Sapporo Nihon University players showed us that through their demeanor at Koshien.

The 'human character' cultivated through Mokkeikai

I have also been paying attention to the fact that the Sapporo Nihon University High School baseball team has been engaging in 'in-school Mokkeikai' using the magazine 'Chichi'.

The baseball team began Mokkeikai in 2022, and under the guidance of manager Takuro Morimoto, they have valued not only baseball skills but also the personal growth of each player and the unity of the team.The in-school Mokkeikai of the Sapporo Nihon University High School baseball team has also been featured in 'Chichi'.

Listening to teammates, acknowledging each other's strengths, and reflecting on oneself.

Perhaps that daily accumulation was reflected in their behavior and smiles on the tense stage of Koshien.

Passing the baton of 'Kakubutsu Chichi' to the next generation

There is a phrase called 'Kakubutsu Chichi' (investigating things to extend knowledge).

Facing the things right in front of you with sincerity, learning from them, and improving yourself.

It is not only the experience of winning that helps a person grow. Frustration, failure, and the time spent with teammates will all become valuable assets for your future life.

The players who played at Koshien this time, as well as the younger students watching them, will surely pass the baton on to the next stage with the spirit of 'Kakubutsu Chichi' (investigating things to extend knowledge).

To everyone on the Sapporo Nichidai High School baseball team, thank you for your truly hard work.

And thank you so much for showing us such a wonderful challenge from Hokkaido to Koshien.

Please come back to Hokkaido with your heads held high.

I will continue to support the players of Sapporo Nichidai High School as they polish their strength of character and grow through baseball.

To everyone on the Sapporo Nichidai High School baseball team, thank you for the inspiration!