medal winner As a sports animation that emphasizes process rather than results. The focus of the first season is on the start, training and emotional foundation, rather than game results. As the story develops, attention shifts to how this foundation will be tested as the narrative enters its more demanding phases.
After the first season ended, viewers are now looking forward to the next chapter to see how the series will expand its scope, raise its stakes, and develop its characters in the world of competitive figure skating.
Medal Winners Season 1 Review: Where It All Started
Medalists Season 1 It will be broadcast in the 2025 winter animation season from January 4 to March 30, 2025, with a total of 13 episodes.
The story centers on Inori Yuitsuka, 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 Akiura, a former skater with regrets of his own, and their partnership becomes the heart of the series. Together they pursue progress over immediate success, embracing patience and perseverance over the glory of the spotlight.
The focus of the first season wasn’t the trophies; It’s about preparedness. Pray for learning how to balance ambition and confidence. The final episode ends with more questions than answers, which suggests the real journey is just beginning.
Medalist Season 2 Release Date: Official and Accurate
Medalists Season 2 It has been officially confirmed and is scheduled to premiere in Japan on January 24, 2026, at 25:30 Japan Standard Time (i.e. 1:30 am Japan Standard Time on January 25) on TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation slot and 23 affiliated channels.
This exact date and time was revealed alongside a new trailer and key visual, igniting excitement throughout the fan community. The animation continues production under the care of ENGI Studio, with most of the original team returning.
Changes for Season 2: Increased stakes on ice
Season two feels like a true evolution of season one. The series is shifting the focus from personal growth to official competition. A new key visual and trailer teases the Chubu District Championship, where Qi Qi must prove herself against the best players in Japan to qualify for the prestigious All Japan Championship.
This is where patience meets stress. The stakes are higher, the opponents are stronger, and the spotlight is brighter. Season one was all about building the foundations, while season two is all about surviving the first real battle of elite sport.
Expanded cast and antagonists for second season
Medalist Season 2 adds 10 newly announced characters, each changing the game and Inori’s journey. Key new cast members include:
- Yagi Yuna — Natsuko Abe
- Sarukawa Rina — Mao Ito
- True hit Roba — long rope maria
- Ushikawa Yotsuba — Tian Zhongnan
- Crazy three sharp whiskers — Tono Hikaru
- Sakina Anuma — Tanaka Takako
- Sana Tabori — Natsuki Yuko
- Okazaki Iruka — Yamamura Hibiki
- Small town Nai — Kotomi Aihara
- Chestnut Root Marigold — Kayano Ai
In addition to Inori and Tsukasa, these new opponents will bring new energy, tougher competition, and higher expectations.
Comics about Medal Winners
medal winner Adapted from Tsurumai Ikeda’s manga, it has been serialized in Kodansha’s monthly afternoon series since May 2020. As of mid-2025, the manga has published 13 volumes and is still being serialized.
The story earned critical acclaim, including in the general category of the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award. Its blend of heartfelt coming-of-age and real-life sports drama makes it ideal material for an anime adaptation.
This wealth of material gives Season 2 plenty of narrative space to explore tournaments, character development, and emotional nuance without rushing the story.
Ratings and why medalists resonate
medal winner Staying true to its sports drama roots rather than chasing the spectacle earned it strong reviews from viewers. On IMDb, the series is rated 8/10, while on MyAnimeList, It’s around 8.37. These numbers reflect the strong appreciation of the audience.
Fans highlighted the animation’s realistic depiction of skating, emotional honesty, and character depth as its main strengths. It appeals not only to fans of sports anime, but to anyone interested in stories of growth, resilience, and slow-motion achievement.
Where to watch medal winners
In Japan, the second season will first air on TV Asahi’s NUMAnimation column and affiliate channels. Streaming platforms for international viewers have yet to be fully confirmed, but the first season is already streaming on Disney+ in multiple territories.
Based on recent updates and the release of the first season, platforms like Crunchyroll, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video could also stream the second season globally once the official announcement is made.
Final Thoughts: Medalists Season 2 is the Next Big Step
Season 2 medal winner Not to achieve success. It’s about enduring the moment of trying to live up to expectations. The ice will get colder, the silence heavier, each step more exposed. What happens next won’t be gentle, but it will be honest. For Inori, this is no longer routine. This is where the dream starts asking for something in return.
As Season 2 approaches, stay tuned to Anime Daily for the latest updates, cast, and international streaming news.