KOSHIEN STADIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Koshien Stadium refers to a renowned baseball stadium located in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Named after the nearby Koshien railway station, the stadium holds immense historical and cultural significance, making it an iconic symbol of Japanese high school baseball.
With a seating capacity of approximately 55,000 spectators, Koshien Stadium serves as the main venue for the annual National High School Baseball Championship, also known as the Koshien tournament. This tournament is considered one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated sporting events in Japan, attracting widespread attention and fervor across the nation. It showcases the skills and talents of high school baseball teams from all over Japan, promoting camaraderie, sportsmanship, and intense competition.
Koshien Stadium, characterized by its classic architectural design, features an open-air field with natural grass, including an infield made of dirt. The stadium's design creates an intimate and energetic atmosphere, enhancing the intense emotions and excitement associated with high stakes baseball matches.
Beyond high school baseball, Koshien Stadium has also hosted various professional and international baseball events, including exhibition games and international tournaments. Its rich history and cultural significance have also made it a popular venue for concerts, cultural performances, and other entertainment events.
Overall, Koshien Stadium is a celebrated sports arena in Japan, treasured for its historical legacy, indomitable spirit, and the unforgettable memories it has created for countless players, fans, and spectators over the years.
Etymology of KOSHIEN STADIUM
The word "Koshien Stadium" is derived from the Japanese name "Kōshien" (甲子園).
The term "Kōshien" refers to an ancient Chinese divination system called the "kōki" or "eto" system. The system assigns each year a combination of one of the ten heavenly stems (which represents the element and yin/yang aspect) and one of the twelve earthly branches (which represents a zodiac animal). The year "kōshi" (甲子), for which the stadium is named, is the start of a new 60-year cycle in the system.
Koshien Stadium was constructed in 1922, and it was named after the Koshien region in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, where the stadium is located.
