Medalist emerged as a sports anime that emphasized process over results. The first season focused on beginnings, training, and emotional groundwork rather than competition outcomes. With the story now moving forward, attention has shifted to how that foundation will be tested as the narrative progresses into a more demanding phase.
Following the conclusion of Season 1, viewers are now looking toward the next chapter to understand how the series will expand its scope, raise its stakes, and evolve its characters within the competitive figure-skating world.
Medalist Season 1 Recap: Where It All Started
Medalist Season 1 aired from January 4 to March 30, 2025, across 13 episodes during the Winter 2025 anime season.
The story centers on Inori Yuitsuka, an 11-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a world-class figure skater despite starting later than most and facing personal obstacles. She meets Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former skater with his own regrets, and their partnership becomes the heart of the series. Together, they chase improvement rather than instant success, embracing patience and perseverance over spotlight-ready glory.
Season 1 wasn’t about trophies; it was about readiness. Inori learned how to balance ambition and self-belief. The final episode closed with more questions than answers, signaling that the true journey was only just beginning.
Medalist Season 2 Release Date: Official and Precise
Medalist Season 2 is officially confirmed and scheduled to premiere on January 24, 2026 in Japan, airing at 25:30 JST (which is effectively January 25 at 1:30 AM JST) on TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation block and 23 affiliate channels.
This exact date and time were revealed along with a new trailer and key visual, igniting excitement across the fan community. The anime continues under Studio ENGI’s care, with much of the original creative team returning.
What Changes in Season 2: Rising Stakes on the Ice
Season 2 feels like a true evolution from the first. The series is shifting focus from personal growth to official competition. The new key visual and trailers tease the Chubu Block Tournament, where Inori must prove herself against Japan’s best to qualify for the prestigious All-Japan Championships.
This is where patience meets pressure. The stakes are higher, the rivals tougher, and the spotlight brighter. Where Season 1 was about laying groundwork, Season 2 is about surviving the first real battles of elite sport.
Expanded Cast and Rivals in Season 2
Medalist Season 2 expands its ensemble with ten newly announced characters, each set to shake up the competition and Inori’s journey. Key new cast members include:
- Yuna Yagi — Natsuko Abe
- Rinna Sarukawa — Mao Ito
- Manaka Roba — Maria Naganawa
- Yotsuha Ushikawa — Minami Tanaka
- Kurumi Risu — Hikaru Tono
- Sakina Anaguma — Takako Tanaka
- Sana Niwatori — Yuko Natsuyoshi
- Iruka Okazaki — Hibiku Yamamura
- Riina Kojo — Kotomi Aihara
- Marika Kurione — Ai Kayano
Alongside Inori and Tsukasa, these new rivals will bring fresh dynamics, tougher routines, and higher expectations.
About the Medalist Manga
Medalist is based on the manga by Tsurumaikada, serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon since May 2020. As of mid-2025, the manga has 13 collected volumes and continues its run.
The story has earned critical acclaim, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and Kodansha Manga Award in general categories. Its mix of heartfelt growth and authentic sports drama makes it ideal source material for anime adaptation.
This rich source material gives Season 2 ample narrative room to explore tournaments, character development, and emotional nuance without rushed storytelling.
Ratings and Why Medalist Resonates
Medalist has earned strong audience praise, keeping faithful to its sports-drama roots rather than chasing spectacle. On IMDb, the series holds a 8/10 rating, while on MyAnimeList, it sits around 8.37. These figures reflect solid viewer appreciation across audiences.
Fans highlight the anime’s realistic depiction of skating, emotional honesty, and character depth as major strengths. It appeals not just to sports anime fans but to anyone drawn to stories about growth, resilience, and slow-burn achievement.
Where to Watch Medalist
In Japan, Season 2 will air first on TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation block and affiliated channels. Streaming platforms for international audiences have not been fully confirmed yet, but Season 1 was available on Disney+ in multiple regions.
Based on recent updates and Season 1 distribution, platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video could also stream Season 2 internationally once official announcements are made.
Final Thoughts: Medalist Season 2 Is the Next Big Step
Season 2 of Medalist is not about arriving at success. It is about enduring the moment when effort meets expectation. The ice will feel colder, the silence heavier, and every step more exposed. What comes next will not be gentle—but it will be honest. For Inori, this is no longer a practice. This is where the dream begins to demand something in return.
Stay tuned to The Anime Daily for the latest updates, cast reveals, and international streaming info as we get closer to the Season 2 launch.
