Medalist Anime: A Closer Look at Season 2
Streaming giant Hulu is set to release the second season of the acclaimed television anime Medalist in the United States, starting February 20 with Japanese audio. This continuation of the series is already captivating audiences in various countries and territories through Disney+.
The sophomore season premiered on January 24, marking its debut on the "NUMAnimation" programming block on TV Asahi and numerous other affiliate channels, airing at the unconventional time of 25:30, equivalent to 1:30 a.m. on January 25. Viewers also witnessed the opening of the season on CS TV Asahi Channel 1 and BS Asahi on the same day.
Excitingly, the second season introduces a fresh lineup of talented cast members, breathing new life into the evolving narrative:
- Natsuko Abe as Yūna Yagi
- Mao Itou as Rinna Sarukawa
- Maria Naganawa as Roba Manaka
- Minami Tanaka as Yotsuha Ushikawa
- Hikaru Tōno as Kurumi Risu
- Takako Tanaka as Sakina Anaguma
- Yūko Natsuyoshi as Sana Niwatori
- Hibiku Yamamura as Iruka Okazaki
- Kotomi Aihara as Riina Kojō
- Ai Kayano as Marika Kurione
While the series brings in new faces, it also sees the return of familiar talents among the cast and crew. Notable changes behind the scenes include the art direction transition to Hazuki Nakamura from Yōko Nakao, along with Kentaro Kashiwagi taking the reins as the compositing director of photography.
Adding to the allure of the second season are the mesmerizing musical performances. The opening theme, "Cold Night," is brought to life by girl group HANA, while the ending theme, "Rookies," is delivered by Conton Candy, enhancing the emotional depth of the anime's storytelling.
Furthermore, the production of Medalist benefits from real-world expertise, with Japanese figure skater Rika Hongo contributing to the motion capture filming alongside Akiko Suzuki, a former Olympic skater who played a pivotal role in choreographing the skating routines in the first season.
The success of the anime extends beyond the screen, with Kodansha USA Publishing licensing the original manga. The narrative, encapsulating the dreams and tenacity of Tsukasa and Inori as they aim for greatness on the ice, has been widely celebrated since its inception in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine in May 2020.
Esteemed for its storytelling prowess, Medalist has secured prestigious accolades, including the Best General Manga titles at both the Shogakukan Manga Awards in 2023 and Kodansha's 48th annual Manga Awards in 2024, cementing its position as a standout work in the genre.
As fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama of Medalist season 2, the fusion of talent, passion, and storytelling continues to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a glimpse into the captivating world of competitive ice skating and the indomitable spirit of its protagonists.
