Medalist Season 2 Set for 2026 Premiere
Following the success of its first season, the Medalist anime, based on Tsurumaikada's manga, has officially announced its return with a second season. This new installment is expected to begin airing in Japan in January 2026 within TV Asahi's "NUMAnimation" block and 23 other affiliates. The news is accompanied by a teaser visual and a promotional video that anticipate the exciting continuation of Tsukasa and Inori's story as they pursue their dreams in the competitive world of figure skating.
Key Creative Team Changes and Returns for Medalist Season 2
While many members of the original creative team are returning for the second season of Medalist, there are also some significant modifications:
- Hazuki Nakamura now takes on the role of art director, replacing Yōko Nakao.
- Kentaro Kashiwagi has been appointed director of photography and composition, succeeding Shin'ichi Komeya.
Despite these changes in technical roles, Yasutaka Yamamoto remains the director, Jukki Hanada continues as screenwriter, Chinatsu Kameyama as character designer and co-chief animation director, and ENGI as the production studio for Medalist.
Authentic Choreography: Akiko Suzuki's Continued Role in Medalist
One of the most notable aspects of Medalist is its realistic portrayal of figure skating, thanks to collaborations with experts in the discipline. For the second season, the key figure of Akiko Suzuki remains, returning to choreograph the skating routines along with Yuhana Yokoi and Hinano Isobe. This attention to detail ensures that the skating sequences in Medalist are precise and visually impactful, raising the level of authenticity of the anime. The participation of Suzuki, a former Olympic skater, guarantees the technical and artistic veracity of the routines presented on screen in Medalist.
Medalist Manga Receives Prestigious Awards
The Medalist manga has garnered numerous accolades that validate its quality and popularity. In 2023, it won the Best General Manga award at the 68th Shogakukan Manga Awards, a prestigious honor in the Japanese manga industry. Additionally, in May 2024, it received the Best General Manga award at the Kodansha Manga Awards, further solidifying its position as a standout work. The Medalist manga was also recognized with the Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Taisho 2022 award, demonstrating its impact and relevance in the contemporary manga scene. Tsukasa and Inori's story has resonated with readers, making Medalist both a critical and commercial success.
Upcoming Medalist Event: A Fan Encounter at SUMMER FES
To celebrate the upcoming launch of the second season of Medalist, a special event will be held on August 14th during the "SUMMER FES" summer festival organized by TV Asahi at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. The event is expected to offer a unique opportunity for Medalist fans to interact with the cast and creators behind the anime and gain deeper insight into what to expect in the second season.
