Rain Delays Stir Emotions in Tokyo’s Prestigious High School Baseball Tournament
- Agustin Tabares
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17
As the 107th National High School Baseball Championship East-West Tokyo Tournament enters its crucial third and fourth rounds, excitement, passion, and unpredictability define every inning — and sometimes, every drop of rain. Today, July 17th, what was expected to be another electrifying day of youth baseball has been marred by sudden cancellations due to inclement weather.
Among the anticipated matchups were Kinjo Gakuen vs. Waseda, set to begin at 9:00 AM, followed by Aoyama Gakuin vs. Azabu at 11:30 AM. Another notable fixture was the clash between Nishogakusha University and Omori Gakuen, scheduled at the iconic Tokyo Giants Town.
But rain had other plans. While organizers and teams remained optimistic early this morning, persistent rainfall forced officials to cancel some of the day’s games to protect the safety of players and preserve the integrity of the grounds.
This disruption is not just about scheduling — it reflects the emotional rollercoaster of Japan’s deeply beloved high school baseball culture. For many players, especially seniors, each game might be their last in a school uniform. Every pitch, every run, carries weight, history, and personal dreams.
The tournament, often seen as a gateway to the nationally revered Koshien finals, draws large crowds, dedicated followers, and immense media attention. These interruptions remind us not just of the fragility of weather but also of the resilience of youth athletes. Coaches, fans, and families continue to stand by, waiting patiently for updates as teams prepare to resume play as soon as conditions allow.
The Japan High School Baseball Federation is expected to release an updated schedule once the weather clears. Until then, teams return to practice, students return to classrooms or dorms, and Tokyo holds its breath for the return of summer baseball magic.
First Game:
Kinjo Gakuen High School defeats Waseda High School, 13–0
Kinjo Gakuen came out strong, scoring 3 runs in the first inning, another 3 in the second, and erupting for 6 more in the third. They added 1 final run in the fourth, securing a dominant 13–0 lead. The game ended after five innings due to the mercy rule.
10:45 Second schedule game Aoyama Gakuin vs. Azabu High School to begin soon:
12:30 - Azabu takes a 3–1 lead in the sixth inning after Aoyama struggles with a few dropped balls
Final Note: Azabu Triumphs Over Aoyama Gakuin with a 5–2 Victory
Despite weather-related delays earlier in the day, the second scheduled game of the 107th National High School Baseball Championship East-West Tokyo Tournament proceeded, delivering an exciting and hard-fought victory. Azabu High School emerged victorious over Aoyama Gakuin with a final score of 5–2, securing their place in the next round of the tournament.
Azabu showed remarkable composure both at bat and on the field. Their pitchers kept Aoyama’s offense in check, allowing only two runs while striking out several key batters. Offensively, Azabu capitalized on early scoring opportunities, including a crucial three-run rally in the fourth inning that gave them a lasting lead.
Aoyama Gakuin fought hard until the final inning but couldn’t overcome the momentum Azabu had built. The game highlighted Azabu’s disciplined team play and resilience — qualities that have become their hallmark throughout the tournament.
This win marks a significant step forward for Azabu as they look to build on this momentum in the upcoming rounds. With weather still looming as a possible factor in future matches, today’s performance stands as a testament to Azabu’s focus and readiness to compete under pressure.
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