Medalist Anime Review and What to Expect in Season 2

What was the best anime of Winter 2025? It’s never easy to choose just one title from a season packed with strong contenders, especially when it includes sequels to beloved series and shows that carried over from the previous season, Autumn 2024. But if we focus solely on completely new anime that debuted this winter (from January 2025), Medalist stands out as a clear favorite. With its emotionally powerful storytelling and striking animation, it captured the hearts of many anime fans. In this article, let’s take a closer look at what made Medalist so special, and dive into what we can expect from its highly anticipated second season, which has already been officially confirmed.

About the Original Medalist Manga

The anime Medalist is based on the critically acclaimed manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Tsurumaikada. The manga artist has received widespread praise for bringing the world of figure skating to life in a way that feels both realistic and inspiring.

The manga has been serialized in Monthly Afternoon, a popular seinen magazine published by Kodansha, since May 2020. As of January 2025, a total of 12 volumes have been released in Japan. The English translation of this manga was released quickly, and as of the same point in time, up to Volume 11 is available in English.

Medalist Season 1 Review

Medalist Season 1 aired during the Winter 2025 anime season and consisted of 13 beautifully crafted episodes. From its premiere, the series drew attention for its emotional depth, expressive animation, and fresh take on the world of competitive figure skating.

The series composition and script were handled by the renowned Jukki Hanada, a veteran in the anime industry. Hanada is well known for his work on acclaimed series such as STEINS;GATE and Sound! Euphonium as head writer, and he also contributed scripts for fan-favorite titles like K-On! and Fate/stay night. His experience in portraying emotionally rich character development was a perfect match for Medalist’s touching narrative.

The animation was brought to life by Studio ENGI, a relatively new production studio that released its first TV anime in 2019. Despite its short history, ENGI delivered what is arguably its finest work to date with Medalist. The animation captured the graceful, fluid motions of figure skating with stunning detail and artistic flair.

Adding to the series’ strong impact was its unforgettable opening theme. The catchy and emotional OP song was written and performed by Kenshi Yonezu, a hugely popular singer-songwriter and longtime fan of the Medalist manga. Inspired by the story, Yonezu personally volunteered to create the opening track, setting the tone for each episode with both energy and heart.

Official Website: https://medalist-pr.com/

Why Medalist Is So Captivating

*Please note that the following contains spoilers.

Figure skating is a sport recognized and loved around the world, making it an approachable theme even for those unfamiliar with anime. But what’s truly impressive about Medalist is that it doesn’t require you to be a fan of figure skating—or even know much about it—to be completely drawn in.

Whether you’re a longtime sports anime enthusiast or someone watching out of pure curiosity, Medalist has the power to connect emotionally with a wide range of viewers.

So what exactly makes Medalist such a standout series? Let’s break down the key elements that make this anime so special.

Relating to the Harsh Reality Behind the Dream

Inori, a fifth-grade girl, loves figure skating and dreams of one day becoming an Olympic medalist. However, at the beginning of the story, her mother Nozomi is against her diving too deeply into the sport. This hesitation stems in part from the painful experience of Inori’s older sister, Mika, who had to give up figure skating due to injury.

From a realistic perspective, becoming a top-level figure skater requires starting at a very young age. Inori, at around 11 years old, is already considered a late starter. On top of that, the financial burden of lessons, coaching, and equipment is significant. Children aiming for the top must sacrifice time for school, friends, and play to dedicate themselves entirely to training.

It’s this grounded realism that makes Medalist resonate with so many. While the story revolves around a niche sport, the core theme—pursuing a difficult dream despite starting from a disadvantage, fueled by passion and support from those around you—speaks to a wide audience. It reminds us that in a tough world, nothing can begin unless we dare to take the first step. And nothing can be achieved without effort.

Although the anime focuses on serious and emotionally intense moments, it also shines with sharp, well-timed comedic scenes. Among the heartwarming episodes, Inori’s expressive reactions often bring genuine laughs. One particularly charming detail is her quirky habit of digging up earthworms and holding them to calm herself, which is an odd but endearing trait that adds to her unique character.

Inori and Tsukasa: Imperfect, Yet Perfect Together

One of the most compelling aspects of Medalist is the relationship between its two main characters: Inori, a young aspiring skater, and Tsukasa, her inexperienced coach. Both are far from perfect. Yet, it’s precisely their flaws that allow them to support and complement each other in a uniquely heartfelt way. Though they are a child and an adult, the story treats them as equals—both learning, struggling, and growing together.

In most sports anime, the typical setup features a talented coach guiding a promising youth. But Medalist flips that narrative. Tsukasa, at 26 years old, is a coach with no financial stability and very little support. His failure as a competitive skater still lingers, affecting his confidence as a mentor. While he motivates Inori, it’s just as true that Inori, through her tireless work ethic and sincere determination, inspires Tsukasa in return.

The story primarily centers around Inori’s journey to become a medalist, but it’s also very much about Tsukasa’s own ongoing fight with his past and his sense of self-worth. He insists that he’s not projecting his own failed dreams onto Inori—but as the story progresses, it’s clear that her future and his past are emotionally intertwined.

As Inori and Tsukasa move forward, they begin to see their rivals in Jun, an Olympic gold medalist, and Jun’s gifted student Hikaru. This sets up a subtle but powerful duality: Inori vs. Hikaru, and Tsukasa vs. Jun. And yet, what makes this rivalry so refreshing is that Hikaru isn’t framed as a villain—on the contrary, her kind and respectful nature adds even more emotional complexity to the narrative.

Breathtaking Animation That Brings the Ice to Life

One of the most powerful reasons why adapting Medalist into an anime was so meaningful lies in its stunning animation, brought to life by Studio ENGI. This is where the magic happens—ENGI’s fluid, high-quality animation captures the beauty and movement of figure skating with jaw-dropping realism. It often feels less like watching an anime and more like witnessing a real skating performance unfold before your eyes.

The grace and elegance of the characters’ movements aren’t just beautiful, and they elevate the drama and emotional stakes of the story, creating a powerful synergy between motion and narrative.

Episode 9 “Western Powerhouses (Part Two)”, which features Inori’s performance at the West Japan Junior Championship, is a standout. Her skating routine is mesmerizing, which is full of passion, character growth, and breathtaking animation. It’s easily one of the best episodes of the season. Not to be overlooked, her new rival Ema also delivers an incredible performance in the same episode, raising the bar even higher.

Episode 12 “Shirone’s Lesson” also deserves special mention, showcasing Tsukasa’s skating in a moment that’s both poignant and visually stunning. The fluid animation, masterful lighting, realistic sound of blades against the ice, and perfectly matched background music all come together to create an unforgettable scene.

It’s not just Inori but each of her rivals commands attention with unique and beautifully animated routines. Hikaru, in particular, stands out as a skater you simply can’t look away from. As new rival skaters continue to appear throughout the series, it starts to feel like an action-adventure anime where the protagonist meets increasingly formidable opponents on a journey to the top.

What to Expect from Medalist Season 2: Story and Release Date

The production of Medalist Season 2 was officially announced alongside the broadcast of Episode 13, the final episode of Season 1, titled “The Morning Comes.”

Medalist Season 2 Story

In Season 2, Inori will once again face fierce new rivals as she steps onto a new and more competitive stage. She has officially moved up to the Novice Class, where girls who have been skating since early childhood compete at an elite level. The Chubu Block Tournament is about to begin, and the still-unknown duo of Inori and her coach Tsukasa will take on the challenge of creating a miracle on the ice.

When Will Medalist Season 2 Air?

Unfortunately, there has been no official announcement yet regarding the release date for Medalist Season 2. However, based on the manga’s progress and Studio ENGI’s past production timeline, we can make some educated guesses.

There is already more than enough source material available to cover another full season, so content won’t be an issue. The main factor will be the studio’s production schedule.

To put it in perspective: the Medalist anime adaptation was first announced in May 2023, and Season 1 began airing in January 2025—about a year and a half later. Since Season 2 is a continuation rather than a brand-new project, the turnaround time could be shorter this time.

With that in mind, a realistic estimate for the Medalist Season 2 premiere would be around January Winter 2026 (from January) or Spring 2026 (from April).

Where to Continue Medalist in the Manga After the Anime

If you can’t wait for Season 2 and want to continue Medalist right away, the manga is the perfect place to pick up the story.

The final episode of Season 1 (Episode 13 “The Morning Comes”) covers up to the end of Volume 4, specifically Chapter 15 “Shirone’s Lesson”. So, to continue where the anime left off, you should start with Volume 5, Chapter 16 “The Athlete’s Pledge”.

From there, the story dives straight into Inori’s next challenges in the Novice competition, with even more intense rivalries, emotional growth, and breathtaking performances.

Could Medalist Be the Best Anime of 2025?

To be honest, Medalist might not be the number one anime of 2025 for the majority of anime fans. Its theme is quite niche—it doesn’t feature explosive battles or sprawling fantasy worlds. There are some renowned titles in the winter of 2025 such as Blue Box and Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World Season 3.

But for some viewers, Medalist will absolutely stand out as the best anime of the year. That’s because it offers a rare and sincere fusion of heartfelt storytelling and beautifully crafted animation.

Personally, I ranked Medalist among my top 3 picks for Winter 2025 anime. Be sure to also check out the other standout anime from the same season: 15 Best Anime of 2025.

And if you’re curious about the greatest anime across nearly five decades, don’t miss my full list of the best anime of all time.

Written by

Yusuke-s

Hi! I’m a writer and editor at Japan Web Magazine. Since 2017, I’ve written over 500 articles covering a wide range of Japan-related topics—must-visit travel spots, local food culture, helpful travel tips, seasonal events, anime, manga, and more.   I travel all over Japan, from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa. My hobbies, such as hunting for the best ramen shops and keeping up with the latest anime every season, help me share the magic of Japan with people from all over the world. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Japan fan planning your dream trip, I want to help you experience the best of what this country has to offer.   After traveling to many countries around the world, I still love Japan the most, and I continue to share information while making the most of my perspective as someone who was born and raised here. 📲 Connect with me ▷You can find more of my writing and follow my latest thoughts on Japan over on Medium. A bit more about me: 🗾 Traveler at heart ▷Most unforgettable trip: Chichijima Island, a remote island that takes over 23 hours to reach by ferry from Tokyo! ▷Favorite neighborhood in Tokyo: Kagurazaka 🍜 Foodie life ▷Obsessed with sushi and ramen ▷Proud foodie moment: Scored a seat at the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro 🎌 Passionate otaku ▷Favorite anime: March Comes in Like a Lion and Attack on Titan ▷Manga I live by: One Piece and Slam Dunk