Medalist Anime: A Closer Look at Season 2
Streaming giant Hulu is finally set to release the second season of the acclaimed television anime Medalist in the United States. Fans have been waiting for a while, and starting February 20, they can catch the series with Japanese audio. This continuation of the story is already captivating audiences in various countries through Disney+, but the US launch is definitely a big deal for those following the journey of Tsukasa and Inori. Many viewers feel why Medalist is the next big sports anime lies in its deep emotional stakes and technical brilliance.
The sophomore season originally premiered on January 24, marking its big debut on the "NUMAnimation" programming block on TV Asahi. It also aired on numerous other affiliate channels, though at the quite unconventional time of 25:30—which is basically 1:30 a.m. on January 25. Viewers also managed to see the opening of the season on CS TV Asahi Channel 1 and BS Asahi on that same day. The hype is real because the story is just getting more intense now.
A Fresh Lineup and New Cast Members
Excitingly, the second season introduces a fresh lineup of talented cast members, which is definitely breathing new life into the narrative. The list of new voices joining the crew includes:
- 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 is bringing in these new faces, it also sees the return of familiar talents among the cast and crew. There are some notable changes behind the scenes too. For instance, the art direction has transitioned to Hazuki Nakamura from Yōko Nakao. Also, Kentaro Kashiwagi is now taking the reins as the compositing director of photography. These tweaks are clearly aimed at keeping the visual quality at its peak.
Musical Performances and Real-World Expertise
Adding to the allure of the second season are the mesmerizing musical performances that set the perfect mood. The opening theme, "Cold Night," is brought to life by the girl group HANA, while the ending theme, "Rookies," is delivered by Conton Candy. Both songs really enhance the emotional depth of the anime's storytelling. Furthermore, the production of Medalist is benefiting from real-world expertise. Japanese figure skater Rika Hongo is contributing to the motion capture filming alongside Akiko Suzuki, the former Olympic skater who played such a pivotal role in choreographing the skating routines back in the first season.
The success of the anime actually extends far beyond the screen. Kodansha USA Publishing has licensed the original manga, which has been widely celebrated since it first started in Kodansha's Afternoon magazine in May 2020. Understanding why Medalist is the next big sports anime is easy when you look at its accolades. It secured the Best General Manga titles at the Shogakukan Manga Awards in 2023 and Kodansha's 48th annual Manga Awards in 2024. This really cements its position as a standout work in the sports genre.
As fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama of Medalist season 2, the fusion of talent and passion continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It truly offers a unique glimpse into the world of competitive ice skating and the indomitable spirit of its protagonists. We can't wait to see how the story moves forward from here.
