Table of Contents
- What is Medalist?
- The Premise
- Award-Winning Manga
- Season 1 Recap
- Key Events in Season 1
- Where to Watch Season 1
- Season 2 Announcement
- What We Know So Far
- Voice Cast
- What to Expect in Season 2
- Potential Story Arcs
- Release Date Speculations
- Why You Should Watch Medalist
- Where to Watch
- Final Thoughts
- SEO Keywords
The captivating world of Medalist is set to return! Following the conclusion of its first season, the Anime adaptation of Tsurumaikada’s popular figure skating manga has officially been greenlit for a second season. This announcement has sent waves of excitement through the anime community, eager to see more of Inori and Tsukasa’s journey on the ice.
What is Medalist?
Medalist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada. It began serialization in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon magazine in May 2020. The story revolves around:
- Tsukasa Akeuraji: A former figure skater whose dreams were shattered. He now finds himself struggling and working as an assistant coach.
- Inori Yuitsuka: A young girl with immense talent and a burning passion for figure skating, but lacks the resources and support to pursue her dreams.
Their encounter sparks an unlikely partnership. Tsukasa, inspired by Inori’s determination, decides to coach her. Together, they embark on a challenging journey, aiming for the world stage of competitive figure skating.
The Premise
The story beautifully portrays the dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance required to excel in figure skating. It delves into the technical aspects of the sport, showcasing intricate choreography, athleticism, and artistry. Beyond the sport itself, Medalist explores the emotional and mental fortitude needed to compete at the highest level. The anime excels in character development, providing unique motivations and struggles for each character.
Award-Winning Manga
The Medalist manga has received critical acclaim, winning several prestigious awards:
- Next Manga Award 2022 (1st place in the comics category)
- 48th Kodansha Manga Award in the general category
- 68th Shogakukan Manga Award for the general category.
Season 1 Recap
The first season of the Medalist anime, animated by ENGI studio, premiered on January 4, 2025, and ran for 12 episodes. The series was directed by Yasutaka Yamamoto, with Jukki Hanada handling the series composition and screenplay. Chinatsu Kameyama served as the character designer.
Key Events in Season 1
- The Meeting: Tsukasa encounters Inori practicing at an ice rink and recognizes her raw talent and passion.
- The Partnership: Inspired by Inori, Tsukasa decides to become her coach, reigniting his love for the sport.
- Training and Challenges: Inori undergoes rigorous training, facing numerous challenges and rivalries as she strives to improve.
- First Competitions: Inori participates in her first competitions, showcasing her growing skills and determination.
- Emotional Growth: Both Inori and Tsukasa experience personal growth, learning valuable lessons about themselves and their dreams.
Where to Watch Season 1
For those who missed the first season or want to revisit Inori and Tsukasa’s initial journey, Medalist is available on several streaming platforms:
- Hulu
- Disney+
Season 2 Announcement
The announcement of Medalist Season 2 came shortly after the broadcast of the final episode of Season 1, much to the delight of fans. The news was shared through the anime’s official social media channels, accompanied by a new key visual and a promotional video.
What We Know So Far
- Production Studio: ENGI will return to handle the animation for season 2.
- Key Visual: A new key visual featuring Inori and Tsukasa has been released, hinting at the challenges and triumphs that await them.
- Promotional Video: A promotional video showcasing highlights from Season 1 and glimpses of what’s to come in Season 2 has been released, further fueling the excitement.
- Staff: While not all staff information has been released, Yasutaka Yamamoto is expected to return as the director, with Jukki Hanada in charge of the series composition and screenplay, and Chinatsu Kameyama as the character designer.
Voice Cast
The main voice cast from Season 1 is expected to reprise their roles in Season 2:
- Natsumi Haruse as Inori Yuitsuka
- Takeo Otsuka as Tsukasa Akeuraji
- Kana Ichinose as Hikaru Kamisaki
- Yuma Uchida as Jun Yodaka
- Hina Kino as Ryouka Miketa
- Makoto Koichi as Rio Sonidori
- Megumi Toda as Mario Nachi
- Kotori Koiwai as Ema Yamato
- Takahiro Miyake as Yudai Jakuzure
What to Expect in Season 2
While specific plot details for Season 2 remain under wraps, fans can anticipate the following:
- Continued Training and Competitions: Inori will continue her rigorous training, participating in more challenging competitions as she aims for higher goals.
- New Rivals: Expect the introduction of new rivals who will push Inori to her limits and test her skills.
- Deeper Character Development: Season 2 will likely delve deeper into the backstories and motivations of the main characters, providing a richer and more nuanced understanding of their struggles and dreams.
- Emotional Storytelling: The series is known for its emotional storytelling, and Season 2 is expected to deliver even more heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments.
- Stunning Animation: ENGI studio is known for its high-quality animation, and fans can expect Season 2 to showcase even more breathtaking figure skating sequences.
Potential Story Arcs
Based on the manga’s storyline, Season 2 could potentially cover the following arcs:
- The Junior Circuit: Inori’s journey through the junior circuit, facing new challenges and honing her skills.
- International Competitions: Inori’s participation in international competitions, where she will encounter skaters from around the world.
- Personal Struggles: The characters’ personal struggles and growth, as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams.
Release Date Speculations
As of March 30, 2025, the official release date for Medalist Season 2 has not been announced. However, given the timing of the announcement following the Season 1 finale, fans can expect the new season to arrive sometime in 2026.
Why You Should Watch Medalist
Medalist is more than just a sports anime; it’s a story about:
- Dreams: The power of dreams and the pursuit of excellence.
- Mentorship: The importance of mentorship and guidance.
- Perseverance: The value of perseverance and never giving up.
- Human Potential: The beauty of human potential and the ability to overcome challenges.
Whether you’re a figure skating enthusiast or simply looking for an inspiring and heartwarming story, Medalist is sure to captivate you.
Where to Watch
- Hulu
- Disney+
Final Thoughts
The announcement of Medalist Season 2 has reignited the passion of fans worldwide. With its compelling story, lovable characters, and stunning animation, the series has captured the hearts of many. As we eagerly await the release of Season 2, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of Medalist and experience the magic of figure skating.
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