Medalist It emerged as a sports anime that focuses more on the process than the results. The first season focused on starts, training and emotional foundation rather than competition results. As the story now progressed, attention turned to how to test this foundation as the narrative progressed to a more demanding stage.
After the first season concluded, viewers are now looking forward to the next chapter to understand how the series will expand its scope, raise its stakes and develop its characters in the world of competitive snowboarding.
Medalist Season 1 Recap: Where It All Began
Medal season 1 It aired from January 4 to March 30, 2025, with 13 episodes during the 2025 winter anime season.
The story revolves around Inori Yoitsuka, 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 regretful former skater, and their partnership becomes the heart of the series. Together, they chase improvement rather than immediate success, embracing patience and perseverance for glory ready for the spotlight.
The first season wasn’t about the awards; It was about preparation. Inori learned how to balance ambition with self-confidence. The final episode concluded with more questions than answers, suggesting that the real journey was just beginning.
Medalist Season 2 Release Date: Official and Exact
Medal season 2 It has been officially confirmed and is scheduled to premiere on January 24, 2026 in Japan, where it will air at 25:30 JST (which is actually January 25 at 1:30 AM JST) on TV Asahi’s NUManimation block and 23 affiliate channels.
This exact date and time were revealed alongside a new trailer and key visual, igniting excitement across the fan community. The anime continues under the aegis of Studio Engi, with much of the original creative team returning.
What changes in Season 2: Higher stakes on the ice
Season two feels like a real evolution from the first. The series shifts the focus from personal growth to formal competition. New key images and trailers highlight the Chubu Block Tournament, where Inori must prove herself against Japan’s best players to qualify for the prestigious All Japan Championship.
This is where patience meets stress. The stakes are higher, the competitors are tougher, and the lights are brighter. While Season 1 was about laying the foundation, Season 2 is about surviving the first real battles of elite sports.
Expanded cast and competitors in season two
Medalist Season 2 expands its lineup with ten newly announced characters, each set to radically change the competition and Inori’s journey. New main cast members include:
- Yuna Yagi — Natsuko Abe
- Rena Sarukawa — That’s it
- Manaka Rupa — Mary’s country
- Yotsuha Ushikawa — Minami Tanaka
- Chrome Reso — Hikaru Tono
- Sakina Anagoma — Takako Tanaka
- Sana Newatori — Yuko Natsuyoshi
- Iruka Okazaki — Hibiko Yamamura
- Rina Kojo — Kotomi Aihara
- Marika Corione — Oh Keanu
Along with Inori and Tsukasa, these new competitors will bring new dynamics, tougher procedures, and higher expectations.
About the medal manga
Medalist It is based on the manga by Tsurumaikada, which has been serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Afternoon since May 2020. As of mid-2025, the manga has 13 collected volumes and continues to be published.
The story received critical acclaim, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award in the general categories. Its combination of heartfelt growth and authentic sports drama makes it an ideal source for an anime adaptation.
This rich source material gives Season 2 ample narrative space to explore heroics, character development, and emotional nuance without rushed storytelling.
Ratings and why the medalist resonates
Medalist It received huge praise from the audience, staying true to the roots of the sports drama rather than chasing the spectacle. The series received a rating of 8/10 on IMDb, while on MyAnimeList it received a rating of 8/10. It is located around 8.37. These numbers reflect strong viewer appreciation across audiences.
Fans highlight the anime’s realistic depiction of skating, emotional honesty, and character depth as major strengths. It will appeal not only to sports anime fans, but also to anyone drawn to stories about growth, resilience, and slow-burning achievement.
Where to watch the medalist
In Japan, Season 2 will air first on TV Asahi’s NUManimation and its affiliate channels. Streaming platforms for global audiences have not yet been fully confirmed, but the first season has been available on Disney+ in multiple regions.
Based on recent updates and distribution of Season 1, platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video could also stream Season 2 globally once the official announcements are made.
Final Thoughts: Season 2 of Medalist is the next big step
Season 2 of Medalist It’s not about achieving success. It’s about enduring the moment when effort meets expectations. The ice will grow colder, the silence heavier, every step more exposed. What comes next won’t be sweet, 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, casting trailers, and international streaming information as we get closer to the launch of Season 2.