Launched in 2016, the anime sequence Yuri on Ice all however got here out of nowhere and shortly gained the hearts of anime followers worldwide. The 12-episode sequence tackles the high-stakes world of aggressive determine skating, providing viewers an intense romantic drama and beautiful character animation courtesy of studio MAPPA. The success of Yuri on Ice was uncommon for a sports activities anime outdoors Japan as real-life athletes started plugging the present, however all of that hype has since died. After years of ready, Yuri on Ice‘s future was dashed by MAPPA final 12 months, however now its religious successor has come to fill the void.
In any case, latest anime sequence set on this planet of aggressive determine skating is fascinating audiences throughout Japan. Medalist, based mostly on the manga sequence by Tsurumaikada and printed by Kodansha, is proving to be a breakout hit of the Winter 2025 season. In a recent survey of the most-watched anime on the favored streaming platform NicoNico, Medalist claimed the primary spot regardless of fierce competitors, so Yuri Katsuki have to be proud.
The Story of Medalist: A Story of Perseverance and Goals
The Ice Turns into Her Superb Stage
Medalist tells the story of Inori Yuitsuka, a fifth-grade woman who desires of successful an Olympic gold medal in determine skating. Nonetheless, the athlete faces vital obstacles reminiscent of her late begin within the sport and her mom, who believes Inori is incapable of success when in comparison with her extra gifted older sister. Undeterred, Inori secretly practices at a neighborhood rink, instructing herself how you can skate by sheer dedication.
Her destiny modifications when she meets Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former ice dancer struggling to seek out his place within the skating world after repeated failures in present auditions. Recognizing Inori’s potential and unwavering drive, Tsukasa decides to turn out to be her coach. Collectively, the teacher-student duo embark on a journey of rigorous coaching, competitors, and private progress as they push towards their shared purpose: making Inori a real champion on the ice.
Yuri on Ice vs. Medalist: Two Totally different Skating Worlds
Will Medalist Seize the World’s Consideration?
ThoughYuri on Ice and Medalist revolve round determine skating, the 2 anime differ considerably in themes and storytelling. Yuri on Ice follows Yuri Katsuki, a skater battling nervousness who finds steerage and love by his function model-turned-coach, Victor Nikiforov. Whereas Yuri on Ice explores relationships and artistry of determine skating professionally, Medalist portrays the decided wrestle of a newcomer breaking into the game. Each have a good time the fantastic thing about determine skating however provide distinct narratives: one focuses on romance and self-discovery and the opposite on ambition and resilience.
Associated
MAPPA Faces More Criticism Over Yuri On Ice Movie Cancellation
MAPPA is below hearth as followers name out the choice to cancel the Yuri!!! On Ice Film, after the sequence initially put the studio on the map.
It stays to be seen whether or not Medalist can have the identical international affect as Yuri on Ice, however for now, it has emerged because the standout anime of the Winter 2025 season in Japan. Not even Sakamoto Days has managed to sway the present’s grip on the fandom regardless of its success in america. Determine skating followers and sports activities lovers have a intelligent new title to look at, and solely time will inform if Medalist will go away an enduring legacy on the ice.
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Medalist
- Launch Date
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January 5, 2025
- Community
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television asahi, ABC TV, Nagoya TV, HTB, Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting, NCC, Niigata Tv Community 21, khb, KFB, HOME, KSB, Kagoshima Broadcasting, Oita Asahi Broadcasting, Asahi Broadcasting Aomori, Iwate Asahi TV, Akita Asahi Broadcasting, Yamagata Tv System, Shizuoka Asahi TV, Asahi Broadcasting Nagano, Hokuriku Asahi Broadcasting, Ehime Asahi TV, Yamaguchi Asahi Broadcasting, Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting, Ryu-Q Asahi Broadcasting
- Administrators
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Takahiro Hirata
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Natsumi Haruse
Inori Yuitsuka (voice)
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Takeo Otsuka
Tsukasa Akeuraji (voice)
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Kana Ichinose
Hikaru Kamisaki (voice)
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Yuma Uchida
Jun Yodaka (voice)