Public Schools Almost Out of Japan's Koshien Baseball Tournament
Listen to the story
The Koshien high school baseball tournament is one of the most popular sports events in Japan.
This year, nine public schools took part in the tournament.
However, eight of these nine public schools have already lost their first-round games.
Only two public schools won their opening matches: Oita Sho and Naruto Uzushio.
Two other public teams, Sha and Saga Sho, lost by a very narrow margin of just one point.
Now, Naruto Uzushio is the only public school team left in the tournament.
Many fans are watching to see if Naruto Uzushio can reach the third round.
If Naruto Uzushio loses its next game, the best 16 teams could all be from private schools.
This would be a rare and notable result for the tournament.
Private schools often have bigger budgets and more players to choose from than public schools.
This can give them an advantage in tough competitions like Koshien.
The last time a public school actually won the entire tournament was 19 years ago.
That win is still remembered as a special moment for public school baseball in Japan.
Fans of public school teams hope Naruto Uzushio can create a new success story this year.
The result of their next match will be very important for public school pride.
Vocabulary10 words
- tournament
- a big sports competition with many teams
- public schools
- schools that are free and run by the government
- private schools
- schools that cost money and are not run by the government
- margin
- the small difference between two scores
- opening matches
- the first games of a competition
- third round
- the next stage after winning two games
- best 16
- the top 16 teams still playing
- budgets
- the amount of money a school can spend
- advantage
- something that helps you do better than others
- pride
- a strong feeling of being happy about something you achieved
Quiz
Answer key
1. Eight 2. One point 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
This year, nine _____ schools took part in the tournament.
However, eight of these nine public schools have already lost their _____ games.
Only two public schools won their opening matches: Oita Sho and Naruto _____.
Two other public teams, Sha and Saga Sho, lost by a very narrow _____ of just one point.
Now, Naruto Uzushio is the only public school team left in the _____.
If Naruto Uzushio loses its next game, the best 16 teams could all be from _____ schools.
Private schools often have bigger _____ and more players to choose from than public schools.
The last time a public school actually won the entire tournament was 19 years _____.
Fans of public school teams hope Naruto Uzushio can create a new success story this _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think private schools often do better in sports competitions like Koshien?
- Do you think it matters whether a school is public or private in sports? Why or why not?
- What do you think makes a tournament like Koshien so popular in Japan?
- How would you feel if you were a fan of the last remaining public school team?