An interesting trend has been observed among the cheering sections at Japanese high school baseball games: the prevalence of Showa Era musical tunes used to stir excitement and show support for the teams. It appears to be a collective nod towards a nostalgic period in Japanese history and represents an embrace of cultural heritage. The music, liked by both young and old, thus emerges as a unifying factor in these sporting events.
High school baseball in Japan is not just a sport, but a cultural phenomenon that demands nationwide attention. The wide use of Showa Era music during its games demonstrates its importance as a part of Japanese identity and is also indicative of people's longing for a golden past. This phenomenon is also a testament to Japan's respect and value for tradition, even in rapidly changing contemporary times.
In the US or EU, music at sports events tends to be more contemporary – often chart-topping pop, rock, or hip-hop tracks. The tendency towards using nostalgic music as a cheering tool in Japanese high school baseball games is unique to Japan and reflective of its specific cultural context.