Natsu Koshien is the annual high school baseball championship held in Japan during the summer. It features teams from across the country competing in a knockout format, culminating in a final match at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya. The tournament is highly prestigious and is often seen as the pinnacle of high school baseball in Japan. The event typically begins in early July and runs through mid-August, attracting large crowds and significant media attention. Many talented players showcase their skills, with some going on to have successful careers in professional baseball, including the Nippon Professional Baseball league.