by Fans of the award-winning figure skating manga Medalist have plenty to celebrate. It has officially been announced that the first theatrical anime film adaptation of Medalist is currently in production and scheduled for release in 2027. At the same time, the second season of the TV anime Medalist has begun broadcasting, with new key visuals, story details, and promotional materials released to mark the occasion.
Originally created by Tsurumaikada, Medalist has earned widespread acclaim for its emotional storytelling and realistic portrayal of competitive figure skating. The series has won multiple major awards, including 1st place in the Comics Category at the Next Manga Awards 2022 and Grand Prize at the 48th Kodansha Manga Awards, cementing its status as one of the most respected sports manga of recent years.
Medalist Season 2 Official Broadcast Information
The second season of the Medalist TV anime officially began airing on Friday, January 24, in TV Asahi’s popular “NUMAnimation” programming block. The series is broadcast across 24 TV Asahi affiliate stations nationwide, allowing a wide audience to follow the continuation of the story.
With Season 2 underway, the production team has released:
- A new key visual
- The official synopsis
- Preview stills
- A trailer for the first episode, titled Score 14
Advance Screening Event Draws Fans Nationwide
Ahead of the television broadcast, an advance screening event for Season 2 was held at Marunouchi Piccadilly. The event was simulcast to theaters across Japan, drawing enthusiastic fans eager to see the continuation of the story before its TV debut.
During this special event, the biggest surprise was revealed:
The first-ever Medalist theatrical anime film has been officially greenlit.
The film will depict the story following the events of Season 2, meaning it will serve as a direct continuation rather than a standalone or recap project. This announcement was met with loud applause from fans, many of whom have followed Inori and Tsukasa’s journey since the manga’s early chapters.
Movie Medalist Scheduled for Release in 2027
According to the announcement, the feature-length Medalist movie is scheduled to be released in 2027. While details such as staff, runtime, and specific plot points have not yet been revealed, the confirmation alone signals a long-term commitment to expanding the anime series.
Given the emotional depth and cinematic potential of figure skating performances, expectations are already high for how the film will portray intense competitions and character growth on the big screen.
New Key Visual Highlights Rivalry and Growth
The newly released key visual for Season 2 is both elegant and symbolic. It features:
- Inori Yuzuki and Tsukasa Akeuraji, the main protagonists
- Their rivals Hikaru and Yotaka
- A stunning frozen lake backdrop
The visual emphasizes the themes of rivalry, determination, and emotional resilience that define Medalist. The icy setting reflects both the beauty and harshness of competitive figure skating, as well as the inner struggles faced by the characters.
Season 2 Episode 1: Score 14 – “Athlete’s Oath”
The first episode of Season 2, titled “Score 14: Athlete’s Oath,” focuses on the Chubu Block Tournament, where skaters compete for a place in the All-Japan Novice Championships.
In the episode:
- Inori Yuzuki arrives filled with excitement at a competition she has long dreamed of entering
- She warmly greets her fellow Novice A competitors
- The atmosphere shifts as federation-selected training athletes make their appearance, raising the stakes and tension
This episode sets the tone for the season, highlighting both the joy of competition and the pressure of elite-level skating.
Special Hand Warmer Giveaway Event
To commemorate the launch of Season 2, a special promotional event will be held:
- Date: Saturday, January 24
- Location: Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
- Item: Free hand warmers featuring the newly revealed key visual
This seasonal giveaway reflects the winter sports theme of Medalist and has already drawn attention from fans planning to attend.
Medalist Exhibition Touring Nationwide
The highly praised “Medalist Exhibition”, which showcases artwork, production materials, and key scenes from both the manga and anime, is currently touring Japan.
Upcoming exhibition locations include:
- Shizuoka – Wednesday, March 4
- Miyagi – Friday, April 17
- Nagoya, Aichi – July
Nagoya holds special significance as the main setting of the Medalist story, making the July exhibition particularly meaningful for fans. The exhibition offers a rare chance to experience the world of Medalist beyond the screen and page.
Why Medalist Continues to Resonate
What sets Medalist apart from other sports anime is its focus on:
- Late bloomers in competitive sports
- The emotional cost of chasing dreams
- The mentor-student relationship between Inori and Tsukasa
- Realistic depictions of success, failure, and perseverance
Rather than glamorizing victory, Medalist emphasizes effort, doubt, and growth—qualities that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
Final Thoughts
With Season 2 now airing and a theatrical film confirmed for 2027, Medalist is entering a new phase of its journey. The combination of television, film, and live exhibitions demonstrates the franchise’s growing popularity and lasting impact.
Fans can look forward to:
- Intense competitions in Season 2
- Deeper character development
- A cinematic continuation of the story in the upcoming movie
Whether you are a long-time reader of the manga or a newcomer discovering the anime for the first time, Medalist is shaping up to be one of the most compelling sports anime projects of the decade.
