Do I need to know about figure skating to enjoy Medalist?

Not at all! Medalist is designed for everyone, whether you’re a figure skating enthusiast or completely new to the sport. The anime provides enough context and explanations about the techniques and rules of figure skating, while focusing on the characters’ personal journeys and emotional growth, making it accessible and enjoyable for all viewers.

Where can I watch Medalist with subtitles in my language?

For international viewers, platforms like Crunchyroll are likely to stream the anime with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French. While official announcements regarding global streaming platforms are pending, Crunchyroll and Funimation are strong contenders for multilingual subtitle availability. Keep an eye on their updates for confirmed details.

Will the anime cover the entire manga story?

Not in the first season. The first season of Medalist will likely focus on the initial story arcs, introducing the characters and their early challenges. Depending on its success, future seasons may continue to adapt the manga, as the original story is still ongoing.

Do I need to know about figure skating to enjoy Medalist?

Not at all! Medalist is designed for everyone, whether you’re a figure skating enthusiast or completely new to the sport. The anime provides enough context and explanations about the techniques and rules of figure skating, while focusing on the characters’ personal journeys and emotional growth, making it accessible and enjoyable for all viewers.

Where can I watch Medalist with subtitles in my language?

For international viewers, platforms like Crunchyroll are likely to stream the anime with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French. While official announcements regarding global streaming platforms are pending, Crunchyroll and Funimation are strong contenders for multilingual subtitle availability. Keep an eye on their updates for confirmed details.

Will the anime cover the entire manga story?

Not in the first season. The first season of Medalist will likely focus on the initial story arcs, introducing the characters and their early challenges. Depending on its success, future seasons may continue to adapt the manga, as the original story is still ongoing.

Do I need to know about figure skating to enjoy Medalist?

Not at all! Medalist is designed for everyone, whether you’re a figure skating enthusiast or completely new to the sport. The anime provides enough context and explanations about the techniques and rules of figure skating, while focusing on the characters’ personal journeys and emotional growth, making it accessible and enjoyable for all viewers.

Where can I watch Medalist with subtitles in my language?

For international viewers, platforms like Crunchyroll are likely to stream the anime with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French. While official announcements regarding global streaming platforms are pending, Crunchyroll and Funimation are strong contenders for multilingual subtitle availability. Keep an eye on their updates for confirmed details.

Will the anime cover the entire manga story?

Not in the first season. The first season of Medalist will likely focus on the initial story arcs, introducing the characters and their early challenges. Depending on its success, future seasons may continue to adapt the manga, as the original story is still ongoing.

[Winter 2025 Anime] Everything You Need to Know About Medalist: A Complete Viewing Guide

Introduction
Broadcast Details and Streaming Platforms
Staff and Cast
Synopsis
Who Should Watch This Anime?
main characters
How to Watch and Recommendations
Conclusion
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The winter of 2025 brings us Medalist, an anime centered on the fascinating world of figure skating!
Based on the manga by Tsurumaikada, serialized in Kodansha’s Afternoon, this story has captivated readers with its unique art style and emotionally charged exploration of sports and personal growth.

The anime is being produced by BN Pictures, a studio renowned for its exceptional animation quality.

From the intricacies of figure skating techniques to the raw emotions of its characters, Medalist promises to be a compelling and visually stunning series.

Why Is This Anime So Anticipated?

Authentic Depiction of Figure Skating
- The series portrays the sport’s techniques and the tension of competitions with remarkable accuracy, immersing viewers in its world.
A Perfect Blend of Sports and Human Drama
- Beyond the excitement of competitions, the story delves into the bonds and struggles of its characters, offering a rich and layered narrative.
Acclaimed Source Material
- Medalist won the 66th Shogakukan Manga Award for Best Newcomer, a testament to its high-quality storytelling and character development.
Social Media Buzz
- Since the anime adaptation was announced, it has garnered significant attention from figure skating fans and manga readers. The trailer alone surpassed one million views within days of its release.

Broadcast Details and Streaming Platforms

Broadcast Schedule

Premiere Date: January 4, 2025 (Saturday)
Broadcast Networks:
- TV Asahi (NUMAnimation Block): Every Saturday at 1:30 AM JST
- BS Asahi: Every Monday at 11:24 PM JST
- CS TeleAsa Channel 1: Every Sunday at 9:00 PM JST

Official website

official X

Streaming Platforms in Japan

Platform	Start Date	Time	Format	Features
Disney+ (Star)	January 4, 2025	Every Saturday at 2:00 AM JST	Subscription	High-quality streaming; accessible on multiple devices
dAnime Store	January 4, 2025	Every Saturday at 2:00 AM JST	Subscription	Anime-focused service with an extensive library
U-NEXT	January 9, 2025	Every Thursday at 2:00 AM JST	Subscription	Includes access to the manga source material
Amazon Prime Video Japan	January 9, 2025	Every Thursday at 2:00 AM JST	Subscription	Potential for exclusive Amazon-only bonuses

International Streaming Platforms

Platform	Start Date	Format	Features
Crunchyroll	To Be Determined	Subscription	Multilingual subtitles (English, Spanish, French, etc.); available in key regions
Funimation	To Be Determined	Subscription	Likely to feature English-dubbed versions; focuses on North America, the UK, and Oceania
Netflix	To Be Determined	Subscription	High-quality streaming with potential global availability

Staff and Cast

Director: To be announced (as of October 2025)
Series Composition: To be announced
Character Design: To be announced

Main Cast

Inori Inagaki (Protagonist): Voiced by Natsumi Haruse
Tsukasa Akeura (Coach): Voiced by Takeo Otsuka
Hibiki Mitsuoka (Rival): Voiced by Kana Ichinose
Jun Yasaka (Judge): Voiced by Yuma Uchida

Synopsis

Inori is a young girl aiming to become an Olympic figure skater.
Her journey is guided by her coach, Tsukasa Akeura, a former professional skater with a deep understanding of the sport.
Together, they navigate the challenges of competitive figure skating, forming friendships and rivalries that push them to grow.

Themes: Pursuit of dreams, bonds and conflicts, growth and resilience

Who Should Watch This Anime?

Ideal Audience

Fans of figure skating or sports in general
Those who enjoy narratives focused on growth, bonds, and overcoming challenges
Fans of titles like Yuri!!! on Ice or Haikyuu!!

Highlights

Breathtaking Animation
- The series brings the elegance and technicality of figure skating to life with stunning visuals.
Deeply Moving Drama
- Beyond the competitions, the story explores the emotions and struggles of its characters in a way that resonates with viewers.
Talented Voice Cast
- Natsumi Haruse’s portrayal of Inori adds depth to the protagonist’s journey, making it even more compelling.

main characters

Inori Yuitsuka (結束いのり, Yuitsuka Inori)

Voice Actor: Natsumi Haruse (春瀬なつみ)
Description: A fifth-grade girl aspiring to win an Olympic gold medal in figure skating. She possesses a strong passion for the sport and has been practicing independently. Under the guidance of her coach, Tsukasa, she begins to unlock her innate talent.

Tsukasa Akeuraji (明浦路司, Akeuraji Tsukasa)

Voice Actor: Takeo Otsuka (大塚剛央)
Description: A 26-year-old who once competed in the All-Japan Championships in ice dance. After retiring, he struggled with career choices. Empathizing with Inori’s situation due to his own late start in skating during middle school, he becomes inspired by her passion and decides to coach her.

Hikaru Kamisaki (狼嵜光, Kamisaki Hikaru)

Voice Actor: Kana Ichinose (市ノ瀬加那)
Description: The gold medalist in the All-Japan Novice B Girls’ Singles, known as a “prodigy” for her high-difficulty jumps. She quickly befriends Inori, who sees her as both a friend and a rival she hopes to compete against someday.

Jun Yodaka (夜鷹純, Yodaka Jun)

Voice Actor: Yuma Uchida (内田雄馬)
Description: A male singles skater who won an Olympic gold medal, leaving a legendary mark by securing gold in every competition he entered. He retired at 20 but had a significant influence on Tsukasa.

How to Watch and Recommendations

In Japan:
- Disney+ (Star) offers the fastest access to the series. Its high-quality streaming and broad device compatibility make it the ideal choice for domestic viewers.
Internationally:
- Crunchyroll is expected to provide multilingual subtitles, making it accessible to viewers in various regions.
- Funimation is a great option for those who prefer English-dubbed versions.

Conclusion

Medalist promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the sports anime genre. Its realistic portrayal of figure skating, combined with a heartwarming story of perseverance and growth, will surely leave a lasting impression.

Don’t miss the chance to join Inori on her journey to the Olympic stage this winter. Be ready to be inspired and moved—Medalist is an anime you won’t want to miss!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q Do I need to know about figure skating to enjoy Medalist?: A
Not at all!
Medalist is designed for everyone, whether you’re a figure skating enthusiast or completely new to the sport.
The anime provides enough context and explanations about the techniques and rules of figure skating, while focusing on the characters’ personal journeys and emotional growth, making it accessible and enjoyable for all viewers.

Q Where can I watch Medalist with subtitles in my language?: A
For international viewers, platforms like Crunchyroll are likely to stream the anime with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
While official announcements regarding global streaming platforms are pending, Crunchyroll and Funimation are strong contenders for multilingual subtitle availability. Keep an eye on their updates for confirmed details.

Q Will the anime cover the entire manga story?: A
Not in the first season.
The first season of Medalist will likely focus on the initial story arcs, introducing the characters and their early challenges. Depending on its success, future seasons may continue to adapt the manga, as the original story is still ongoing.